An Implementation Plan for Developing Joint Commissioning

Waltham Forest is in the early stages of developing its approach to commissioning, both within the local authority and across its partner agencies. At the moment there is no common understanding of commissioning processes as an ad hoc approach has developed over time.

Schools are commissioning services without describing it as commissioning. Pooled budgets do not exist and no decision has yet been taken on whether they will be the preferred route in the future. Aligned budgets do exist for commissioning placements for looked-after children.

This case study describes the approach Waltham Forest is taking to engage the local area fully in joint commissioning. Because they are starting out with limited structured or coordinated activity on joint commissioning, they agreed that an implementation plan would be helpful. This would allow them to plan a staged approach that would work most effectively for their current environment.

The study also illustrates the timescales involved in progressing through the steps.

There are six broad areas that Waltham Forest is looking to address:

• How to engage their stakeholders
  
  
• An infrastructure for commissioning that was fit for purpose
  
  
• The profile of current contracts and the local market
  
  
• A commissioning framework or strategy that secures buy in from partners
  
  
• Clarification of roles
  
  
• Commissioning intentions that set out a three-year vision.

Click to read further case studies for joint planning and commissioning.