Commissioning Framework

Commissioning has many definitions and approaches, and for some partners the term is not used, for others it is a well established approach. The Commissioning Framework (174.7 KB, pdf)  establishes a shared approach to the definition agreed for Newcastle and a shared set of principles.

The Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership have agreed the following definition:

Commissioning is about enhancing the quality of life for children, young people, families and carers. In Newcastle commissioning is an iterative collaborative process which can be defined as:

• assessing needs and determining desired outcomes
• setting priorities
• determining how the desired outcomes can be achieved
• identifying and allocating resources
• monitoring and quality assuring implementation and service delivery
• evaluating impact and learning from the process

Commissioning Strategy Project

The Commissioning Strategy Project is being undertaken within the Children's Services Transforming Outcomes Programme, focusing on the ongoing development, implementation and review of a Commissioning Framework / Strategy which will affect all partner agencies (public, private and third sector).

Existing local and national commissioning models, including quality assurance frameworks and contract compliance processes, have been examined to establish common principles to underpin a clear commissioning framework for all services, based on identified need.

Successful commissioning underpins the whole transformation process. A Commissioning Framework / Strategy is essential to the evolution of the Newcastle Plan for Children and Young People (NPCYP), and will influence the ability of all partners to deliver better integrated and specifically tailored packages of services to improve outcomes for children, young people, families and carers.

Newcastle Children's Services Commissioning Framework

The Commissioning Framework (174.7 KB, pdf) for Newcastle Children's Services has been agreed by the Newcastle Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership Executive for use by all partner agencies in the public, private and third sectors, and seeks to clarify the commissioning process by:

• defining commissioning
• establishing a set of common commissioning principles
• setting out a model of commissioning for Newcastle

The Commissioning Framework (174.7 KB, pdf) is being piloted in 2008-09 by all partners involved in commissioning activity. Commissioners are expected to follow the commissioning model outlined in the framework, and incorporate the commissioning process into relevant action plans. An interim review of the implementation of the framework will be carried out in September 2008, and a full review in December 2008.

Commissioning case studies

Children’s Fund commissioning process 2008-11 - case study (Pdf)

PEIP commissioning - case study (Pdf)

 

Contact

Helen Warriner

Phone: 0191 2115388

E-mail: helen.warriner@newcastle.gov.uk