Commissioning and what it means

Commissioning is a continuous cycle that involves reviewing existing services, assessing current and future needs, developing strategy, engaging with the market, designing services and contracts, and managing performance and quality assurances. Each stage informing and shaping the next.

Commissioning is the cycle of activity by which the Council develops, purchases and reviews services to meet the care, support and housing needs of adults within communities across Cumberland. This process makes sure that services are tailored to the specific requirements of the population, that they are delivered efficiently and effectively, and that there is a local sustainable market for the provision of the full range of services. This process includes:

• Needs Assessment: Analysing the health, social care and housing needs of the local population to identify gaps in current service provision
• Service Planning: Developing strategies and plans to address identified needs, setting priorities, and defining desired outcomes
• Procurement: Purchasing the required services through tendering and contracting processes to ensure value for money and high-quality service delivery
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assessing the performance of service providers against agreed standards and outcomes, and making necessary adjustments to improve service quality

This comprehensive approach helps ensure that adult social care and housing services are responsive to the needs of the community and contribute to the overall well-being of individuals.