twitter.com/lcpu Getting involved in commissioning Rachel Rhodes

The Commissioning Cycle Why you can’t just jump in at the procurement stage Outcomes for service users Identify needs procurement Design service Evaluation

Barriers and challenges External Internal Tender specific

Business Planning Understanding the external environment Engaging with the external environment Understanding your customers Collaboration and competition Preparation for tendering and contracting

Where to get support Local Support and Development Organisations National resources Need to both collaborate and compete

Reflect on what services your organisation currently provides ServicesHow is this currently resourced? Who currently resources this? List the different services you provide e.g. grant, contract, loan chargeable fees, donations e.g. local govt., PCT, children’s trust, users, volunteer time

Is the future of these services… SecureNot secureDon’t’ know?

Some possible optionsChallengesOpportunitiesActions Collaboration (partnership, merger etc) Selling other services? Selling to other customers? Scale down or up (retrench or growth) Innovate (do things in a different way) Closure, (consider the impact on service users) Other The future of these services… Choose a service:

Item  Actions You have a clear business model Read commissioning frameworks & procurement guides Knowledge of local priorities Linked into good forums & networks You know the representatives & people at strategic level Good connections in public bodies Awareness of your outcomes & impact You are on commissioners’ radar You have a good idea of what is currently commissioned Aware of future commissioning intentions & timescales Aware of relevant consultations & get involved Elevator pitch & strong brand Tendering skills Knowledge of competitors & collaborators Commissioning; getting involved