Supporting Strategic Commissioning Learning Exchange 10th March 2015 Challenges Facing Local Government Commissioners Neil Ayling Chief Officer, Social Services Flintshire County Council

What I am going to cover : Personal reflections Economic challenges Service and demand led issues Political and policy pressures Central challenges New opportunities Continuing principles A recent example of success Future basing

What is it like out there ? It’s noisy ! We are in unprecedented times A distinctive Welsh offer ? Big opportunities, but equally big risks We still have the control? .. what then are the financial challenges

Economic Challenges

Economic Challenges 7.5% reductions year on year for 3 years All services are in a very similar boat ? Partners are also involved : duties and risks Still short term funding scenarios . No respite in prospect Formal partnerships, are they helpful ? … but what about demands

Service and Demand Led Issues Demography of course Spur to quality, (baby boomer generation) Rising expectations Instant evaluation Standards feed into legislation (eventually) Control and choice Greater plurality of partners Connectivity of public sector bodies … what of the politics and direction

Political and Policy Pressures Potential but eventual LGR Regular election cycles for next 3 years White Paper, ‘Reforming Local Government, Power to the People’ The Wellbeing of future generations Bill The Social Services and Wellbeing Act Housing Bill …So some key dilemmas for commissioners

Square that Commissioning Circle ! Do more with less ! Keep strategic direction whilst giving power to consumers Maintain long term commission plans when the commissioning bodies will change Work across agencies, with different funding cycles and arrangements Work to change carefully, or to transform ‘bravely’ Keep services safe Encourage creativity amidst regulation. …What do we need to do new

New Opportunities Co-production Alternative Service Delivery Social Enterprise Use the wider public and citizen to drive up quality Revised tendering and HR, legal procedures Market Shaping ..But some existing practices remain important

Existing Principles of Practice Clear plans based on evidence Fair approaches to care / provision Quality circles User empowerment, financial control Addressing wider health and economic determinants Be clear re must dos, e.g. 15 minute visits …..Some recent learning

The Intermediate Care Fund Learning One year, 50 million, late decisions, significant evaluation burden , recruitment challenges but, Creativity, partnership, wider sector involved, buy in, financial control and outcomes enhanced… so Continued support Real example of successful pragmatic commission …But finally where will we /do we want to be

In 5 years time Fewer Commissioners ? More Partners More diverse providers and community based Increased range of alternative delivery models Less direct provision Formal flexibilities .. And hopefully Better outcomes ! Thank you