CIPFA Procurement Network
Commissioning - The Future Direction
As part of the coalition governments vision of returning power to the people, will involve public sector organisations placing greater emphasis on the importance and role of commissioning.
| Commissioning is primarily concerned with assessing need, designing and securing appropriate service |
The Decentralisation and Localism Bill 2010 translates itself into growing local control over local spending, thus requiring a choice of public service providers.
The Future Direction
Strategic commissioning is all about identifying needs and aspirations, and meeting these from the available options in a manner which ensures value for money. It should be concerned with better outcomes and not the form of the provider - or which sector it comes from. In order to determine these outcomes and choose between the options, it is essential that service users and staff are fully engaged in the commissioning process and any subsequent procurement.
The commissioning of health care will be pushed down from primary care trusts to consortia of GPs as strategic health authorities.
Key Questions to ask
- What outcomes are we seeking to achieve?
- Is this what the users and the local community want?
- Why this way or are there better options available?
- Who is best able to deliver the outcomes we want?
- Is this affordable?'
Commissioning has lots to offer, not least save money and improve what organisations are able to offer citizens, however it requires investment, developing staff capabilities and improvements in processes.
CIPFA together with partner organisations were commissioned by the Office of Civil Society to deliver a comprehensive training programme for commissioners and finance staff across the public sector. Click here for further information
CIPFA PCN can help you - contact us for further information
