What is social care commissioning?

Social care commissioning has a specific function in ensuring that individuals in need receive appropriate and effective support to maintain their well-being and independence. Effective commissioning also ensures that local authorities and councils meet obligations under the Care Act 2014.

At its core, social care commissioning involves the reviewing, planning, procurement, and monitoring of social care services to meet the diverse needs of local communities.

These services encompass a wide range of support, including assistance for older adults, individuals with disabilities, adults social care and children's social care.

Social care commissioning operates within the broader framework of social services, which are provided by local authorities and other relevant organisations. Its primary aim is to allocate resources effectively (value for money), prioritise areas of local need, and deliver high-quality services that promote the independence, strengths and welfare of individuals to enhance their quality of life.

By understanding the needs of local communities commissioning authorities can put appropriate services in place and plan for future need.

How Social Care Commissioning Works

1. Assessment and Identification of Needs: The process of social care commissioning begins with the assessment and identification of the social care needs within a local area. This involves gathering data on past performance and local health and social care needs, consulting with stakeholders, and gaining a thorough understanding of local needs. The needs assessment serves as the foundation for the development of commissioning strategies and priorities.

   
   

2. Strategic Planning: Based on the identified needs, commissioning authorities develop strategic plans outlining how social care services will be organized, delivered, and funded. These plans take into account demographic trends, budgetary constraints, legislative requirements, and input from stakeholders such as service users, carers, and advocacy groups. Strategic planning aims to ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and that services are responsive to evolving needs and priorities.

   
   

3. Procurement and Contracting: Once the strategic plan is in place, commissioning authorities initiate the procurement process to secure the necessary services from providers. This may involve issuing tenders, inviting bids, or negotiating contracts with service providers, including both public and private sector organizations. The procurement process emphasizes transparency, competition, and value for money to ensure that services meet the required standards and deliver good outcomes for service users.

   
   

4. Service Delivery and Monitoring: With contracts in place, commissioned services are delivered to individuals in need within the local community. Commissioning authorities monitor service provision closely to ensure that providers adhere to agreed-upon standards, meet performance targets, and deliver services effectively. Monitoring may involve regular inspections, performance reviews, and feedback mechanisms to assess service quality, address any issues or concerns, and drive continuous improvement.

   
   

5. Evaluation and Review: Social care commissioning is an iterative process that requires ongoing evaluation and review to assess the impact of services and identify areas for improvement. Commissioning authorities gather feedback from service users, carers, and other stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of commissioned services and their contribution to achieving desired outcomes. Based on this feedback and analysis of performance data, commissioning strategies and priorities may be adjusted to better meet the changing needs of the local population.

   
   

Social care commissioning is a complex and dynamic process that plays a distinct role in shaping the provision of social care services.