Audit Commission

Summary [Download full report below this summary]

This handbook is intended to provide social services departments with a more detailed analysis of the issues highlighted in The Coming of Age relating to their commissioning role. In particular it aims to help authorities - through the key questions and case study examples - to develop their framework for commissioning.

The research base has focused on the commissioning of services for the older people client group. While some of the characteristics of commissioning services for older people are unique, many of the principles outlined in the handbook apply equally to other client groups. As such it is hoped authorities will use the handbook in looking at their commissioning arrangements for care services more broadly.

Included in this management handbook:

• reviewing the market and developing a strategy
• making commissioning user-led
• enabling care managers to play a more effective commissioning role
• getting a better service from providers
• supporting the process centrally
• bringing it all together (action plan)

Get the full study 

Download the full national study in PDF format below. This study contains all our findings and recommendations.

Management handbook ( PDF, 2mb )

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