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commISSIoNINg commISSIoNINg
IS THErE ANy poINT engagement often promoted through commissioning decisions. A quote from a contributor to the
‘discovery sessions’. As long as the
Guardian Social Care network puts
Understanding that is also crucial
To commISSIoNINg invitations are open there is no to good commissioning and also the point succinctly:-
to developing flexible and
danger of falling foul of even the new
procurement regulations. responsive services. “Those holding the purse strings and
making the funding decisions need to
mike Webster poses this question and comes to the conclusion that, The key skills are in pulling together Organisations like the Care respect those who need caring for...
yes, there is a point to commissioning when it is a creative force that gets ideas and creating an environment Quality Commission now use Compassion and understanding
the best out of people and organisations. where providers feel on an equal ‘Experts by Experience’ and as a at the highest levels are what is
footing and safe enough to speak
result their inspections have gained
needed. When that happens things
openly. Such discussions can die a credibility and their findings are may change.”
painful death if because of commercial harder to argue with.
sensitivity providers are not prepared It’s no good saying it takes too
o be honest, I’m not sure establishing systems that mean, even in structure (Commissioning Cycle) to share ideas or good practice. Real user involvement long or finding the right people is
T that anyone would admit hard times, for local government at bring a rigour to service development It is not unknown to hear complaints Involving people in all areas of the too difficult.
to having had the ambition least, the money has not quite run out. and crucially evidence-based reviews. that commissioners do not include Commissioning Cycle can similarly
to be a commissioner when In fact in the early 1990s and the providers in discussions but then, strengthen both the result and So the answer to my question,
they grew up. Add the goal introduction of community care the A key skill is being able to harness when the opportunity is offered, they allow changes and good practice ‘Is there any point to commissioning?’
of doing the role in today’s system would have cracked without creative ideas and adapt them. use it to take notes for future tender to be introduced at all stages. is yes, when it is done well.
social care or health economy some financial expertise. Let’s not forget The ideas may not be new but submissions and are unwilling to talk Much time and energy is given to Certainly there are skills and
and it is even less likely. that social security funding of private being able to re-invent and implement in front of the ‘competition’. the high profile aspect of initial knowledge that are needed.
residential care was out of control. them in a different setting is a commissioning and service There is also an underlying
However, there are no shortage of jobs precious talent. Good commissioning needs procurement but often the real theoretical base and process
with commissioning in the title and According to the Daily Mail, co-operation from all sides. dividends occur through on-going to follow.
seemingly no shortage of applicants. social workers interfere when they Dangerous review (and contract management).
Finding a common idea of what shouldn’t and ignore when they should. Commissioning, when it works well, Users of services know how it feels That cannot effectively be done But the most undersold skill is
commissioning is and should do is Yet they form a critical part of the can simply be about pulling together to be on the receiving end of without real user involvement. an ability to ‘hold the ring’.
much harder. Blurred lines are all too system when they work well. ideas and using them to offer solutions Commissioning can become
easy to find between people who say Skilled assessment and solution to new problems. It becomes dangerous a creative force that can
they commission and those who finding assists both at the wider when commissioners think they know get the best out of people and
procure and contract. Health and strategic level and in making best and have all the answers. organisations. It can also bring to
social care commissioning adds arrangements that are individual and life the often over-used concept
another layer of complexity. often economical. Reasons given for keeping to this of co-production.
apparently safe approach are:
There is no doubt that provider Is there any redemption The best services are those with
organisations, users of services (and for commissioners? • It takes too long to consult the best input, centred on users’
probably readers of this article) often Most commissioners come from social or engage; needs and experiences, and the
feel that they know more about what work, management or business worst are those put together in
is needed than those who are paid to suggesting that commissioning is a • It’s too difficult to find the ignorance and isolation.
commission. Put more ‘bolt on’ to other skills and professions. right people;
bluntly they are Although some Mike Webster is Assistant Director,
sometimes seen as qualifications are • Social/health care is too complex Health & Adult Services,
just another layer starting to emerge to involve people; North Yorkshire Council.
of bureaucracy At its best, commissioning these are a long
that leaves fewer can build on a range of ideas way behind; • Procurement rules do not
resources in and through a structure for example, allow providers to influence crEATIVE
an already (Commissioning Cycle) procurement service specifications.
stretched system. bring a rigour to service (MCiPS – Member commISSIoNINg
development and crucially of the Chartered Use of these excuses is both arrogant IN THE fAcE of
With the evidence-based reviews Intuition of and short-sighted. Expertise comes in
public sector Purchasing many forms and no-one, especially bUDgET cUTS
and especially and Supply) or commissioners, have the monopoly
local government an MBA. on it. Mark Stables, Commissioner for
facing unprecedented financial Services for People with Learning
restraints the incentives to be a Health and social care organisations Provider organisations know most about Disabilities in Portsmouth, talked to
commissioner are few and far between. therefore have a strong (and probably how to provide services. On issues Seán Kelly about how he is dealing
expanding) commissioning section around workforce, logistics and even with a £3 million budget cut
Unpopular made up of people from varying simple things, like putting together an but is still determined “to make
As often with unpopular professions starting points which contributes effective staff rota, they are likely to things happen”.
(or dare I say ‘scapegoats’?) this is valuable diversity and potential for offer both efficiency and innovation to
fine until you try to do without them. innovation that is desperately needed. a service. This adaption of the ‘Ladder of Involvement’ contrasts the jargon that is often used This article in Volume 29, No. 3
We could surely do without with (on the right) how that actually feels for people can be accessed from our website:
accountants but their advice and At its best, commissioning can build Good procurement and commissioning Source: New Economics Foundation – Ladder of Participation – Arnstein 1969 www.cl-initiatives.co.uk
guidance has been invaluable in on a range of ideas and through a should involve early market

24 Vol 29 No 4 | Summer 2016 Community Living www.cl-initiatives.co.uk www.cl-initiatives.co.uk Community Living Vol 29 No 4 | Summer 2016 25