If you have questions about the Commissioning Support Programme, please contact us.

How will the Commissioning Support Programme work with Children’s Trusts?

Each Children’s Trust has been asked to nominate a Commissioning Champion, who will work with the Programme to define the most appropriate form of support in response to local circumstances and need. Children’s Trusts will be able to draw on nationally and regionally co-ordinated activities, as well as tailored local consultancy from the Programme.

How can we reconcile the difference between world class commissioning (WCC) and the DCSF 9 step commissioning framework and the four step approach of schools commissioning?

While there are interesting differences, they are essentially very similar. By getting used to acting as commissioners and doing some commissioning together we can make more progress than by worrying about the differences too much at this stage.

Does the Commissioning Support Programme recommend a particular commissioning framework?

No, not really. As long as we all have the same understanding of commissioning and what it means to act as a commissioner and govern commissioning then you can decide for yourselves which particular commissioning framework will best meet your local situation.

We know from experience that all commissioning frameworks should: * go through the steps identified in the DCSF guidance * involve stakeholders as described in WCC * include commissioning standards ('must dos' for all those working with children and young people) * include a commissioning policy * include your CYPP and any other additional strategies that you need * be clear about the governance of commissioning including terms of reference for the CT board/Children and Young People's Strategic Partnership.