Understanding the Commissioning Agenda

A key step developing successful Commissioning is often making sure that CCG members really understand the Commissioning Agenda, both nationally and locally. Our commissioning specialists will guide you through these agendas, cutting through the hyperbole and highlighting those particular aspects which are critical to your success as a CCG.

Working Towards Authorisation

Our team will work with you towards achieving authorisation so that your group will be able to commission services on behalf of the local population. Our goal is to ensure that your CCG really understands the local health economy and has coherent plans to deliver quality outcomes for your patients. We work closely with CCG leaders to drive and direct the organisation towards its goals. We also ensure that the CCG has the appropriate systems, processes and relationships required to successfully deliver commissioning in its local health economy.

Facilitation

Through a range of meetings, events and workshops, our skilled facilitators offer CCGs the opportunity to develop a cohesive vision for their organisations, plans and health and care services. The facilitator will make sure that all viewpoints and opinions are both understood and taken into account, and will then work closely with the group to achieve a lasting consensus so that they can move forward and work together in a unified manner for the greater good of the local health economy

Project Management

From our experience of developing commissioning around the country we believe that appropriate support to the CCG and local partners should include strong programme management which, ideally, should be sourced locally. However, should this not be available, we can provide skilled Project Managers who are focused on making sure that the programme remains on track.

Programme Design

Good Programme Design is a cornerstone of an effective CCG and so we recommend a series of facilitated interventions that enable a strong programme to be developed, outcomes agreed, and measurement processes put in place. These facilitated interventions involve all stakeholders in the local health economy and help to build lasting relationships between all parties. Involvement and participation is key and our skilled facilitators are experts in bringing people together to work as a team to facilitate change.

Strategic Planning and Development

Strategic and operational plans, service/pathway redesign and business case development are crucial to the commissioning process. One of our specialist commissioners who has worked on similar projects will work with you develop these and is often able to accelerate progress where appropriate.

Market Development

As part of the strategic plan, CCGs need to consider the complex issues of re-commissioning and decommissioning, new provider assessment and formal procurement, contracts and performance management, business intelligence and analysis. We are able to facilitate these in a series of all partner meetings and “Planning for Real” with local people.

Leadership, Management and Governance

As with any organisation, effective leadership and management is at the heart of a successful CCG. The scale of organisational change and development CCGs need to go through should not be underestimated and coping with this level and intensity of change is challenging for many. For example, CCGs will have to set up new models and frameworks, develop governance and corporate management arrangements, and identify mechanisms for further developing clinical leadership and capacity. We can offer support in all of these areas and will share best practice developed over many years to ensure successful outcomes. We offer facilitated sessions with our Board and key agencies over the period of a programme from a senior team member. Furthermore, CCG members can also access our comprehensive Learning and Development Programmes to widen their skills and to improve performance.

Engaging Stakeholders

One of the stumbling blocks of most formative organisations is the need to communicate effectively and to involve other key stakeholders at this critical phase. Commissioning can only benefit from strong relationships with local providers. Our specialist team provides support to broker effective relationships with Foundation Trusts (including Community Foundation Trusts), Mental Health providers, Local Authorities, and the private sector (both for profit and social enterprises). Our track record of creating whole system change is based on securing commitment and then planning and implementing together across the whole health economy. 

Financial Modelling and Management

Critical to both the short and long term success of the CCG is the development of a sound financial plan with appropriate governance. Our financial experts have years of experience working with NHS organisations in areas such as financial analysis and modelling, financial planning and the development of a long term financial plan including pooled budget scenarios and development of a scenario generator.

Patient and Public Engagement

Over the years we have been heavily involved in developing programmes designed to maximise the input of both patients and the public. These include large facilitated events to ensure local people can have a real say in the developments of their healthcare services, to a series of one to one sessions with expert patients to garner their views to improve treatment and care of a particular condition, to developing comprehensive systems for gathering and reviewing complaints, suggestions and feedback to ensure the public and patients’ views and preferences are used to improve the overall healthcare experience.

”Future proofing” Practices

Many GP practices need to undergo fundamental changes if they are to become the sustainable and profitable GP practices of the future. This may mean for example, the rationalisation of GP practices or the outsourcing of certain back office functions such as HR and payroll. Our experts can help GP practices with their organisational development as well as business development to enable them to fully take part in the commissioning agenda as well as to survive and thrive in the new NHS environment.

HR Support and Employee Engagement

We have a comprehensive HR support package which CCGs can access on a project by project basis such as developing contracts of employment or policies and procedures, or an HR package can be tailored to suit your requirements.

An Employee Engagement Programme is also available to all CCGs to ensure that the whole team is committed to the organisation and that they will “go that extra mile”.

Ongoing Support and Development

We provide an ongoing range of services throughout the lifecycle of the CCG from inception to fully fledged operation and beyond. Our Learning and Development Programmes can be accessed by both individuals and CCGs as part of a Continuing Professional Development Programme and many of our courses are accredited so that individuals can take their studies further. Our business support services are also available on an ongoing basis should CCGs require them.