Commissioning is a leadership tool. It’s how you shape the care landscape in your area. As DASS, you are not just a commissioner of services—you are a system shaper, market steward, and outcomes architect.
Move beyond task-and-time models to outcome-based, person-centred approaches. Commission for what matters to people—not just what fits the framework. Support innovation, flexibility, and local responsiveness. Focus on relationships, not just transactions.
Work with providers as partners—not just contractors. Build trust, transparency, and shared ambition. Support the market with good information, fair pricing, and co-designed solutions. Invest in quality, stability, and sustainability.
Your commissioning role includes:
- Setting a clear strategic direction and market position.
- Co-producing with people and communities.
- Aligning contracts with outcomes, values and legal duties.
- Managing risk and contingency, especially in fragile sectors.
- Developing markets that reflect diversity and choice.
Use commissioning to grow the care ecosystem—not just purchase services. That includes unpaid carers, personal assistants, and community assets. Use your influence to support local jobs, ethical employment, and inclusive growth.
Integrated commissioning is a key opportunity. Work with ICS colleagues, the NHS, and public health to align priorities and resources. Pool budgets where it adds value—but keep a strong social care identity and voice.
Commissioning must be rooted in rights, inclusion and equity. Use data to challenge inequality and close gaps. Shape markets that meet people where they are—not where the system is most comfortable.
Finally, commissioning is about power. Use yours wisely. Share it. Shift it. And always stay focused on outcomes that matter to people.