Service Improvement Stories: Third Sector Commissioning Conference
West Midlands Regional Development Centre (WMRDC) convened a conference entitled 'Third Sector Commissioning' on 12th June 2007.
85 commissioners and third sector managers met to explore the implications of the commissioning guidance framework in relation to older people's service development. A second aim of the conference was to facilitate a discussion between the third sector and PCT/LA commissioners about future business relationships.
Presentations from West Midlands Regional Development Centre Programme Specialists and Third Sector managers enabled participants to consider the DH requirements for PCT and LA commissioners to collaborate in needs assessment, service design/redesign and delivery in order to promote health and well being. View presentations >>
Third Sector representatives made it clear that an improved relationship between stake-holders is necessary in order to achieve the policy aims. They identified communication, training and development as key areas for improvement in order to achieve the level of transparency and trust that is essential to the process. This will require robust commitment of time and energy into the process of changing relationships and development of equal partnerships.
The conference chair, Peter Boileau, who leads on commissioning improvement in WMRDC, undertook to communicate the main conclusions to the Chief Officer group that will steer PCTs and LAs in implementing the policy guidance in the West Midlands.
WMRDC will summarise the main outcomes of the conference on the regional website and will continue to support this area of service improvement.
View key resources from this conference on the next page >>