Action for Children Breakfast Briefing Local decision-making study Beth Anderson, Head of Evidence & Guidance SCIE April 2013

Aims How can local authorities and partners achieve long-term and sustainable children’s services commissioning?

Our approach Fieldwork Dissemination of findings & final reporting Literature review Project Initiation Analysis & draft reporting Mar. – Jun.Jun.-Aug.Aug.-Jan.

Taking a long-term view  Long-term vision  Strategic plans for 3-5 years  Big issues:  Meeting immediate need while investing-to- save  Decommissioning decisions

Working across boundaries Intervention rather than referral Skilful commissioning Member engagement Wider workforce in locality Commitment to a ‘long-term’ programme Whole-system; whole journey Support and encouragement to innovate Culture Status quo is not an option Capacity Professional skill and confidence Leadership Political and strategic Creating the local environment

Increased stability & clarity about direction of travel ‘Joined-up’ policy Longitudinal & economic research Guidance on evidence quality Access to practice examples “Inter-generational funding” Focus on avoidable spend Funding early intervention Leadership through policy Building the evidence-base Creating the national environment

Contact information  Beth Anderson   tel: 