Commissioning - Implications for the voluntary sector

In developing a thriving voluntary and community sector, it is important to ensure consistency and transparency on commissioning with the sector. In Lewisham, a set of principles for commissioning have been developed and will form part of the Local Compact. Part of VAL's role is to ensure that this local Compact is implemented properly by the voluntary sector and the Council or the local NHS commissioners.

NHS Commissioning Guide

The NHS have published a new commissioning guide. The guide looks at items such as the structure of the NHS, the commissioning cycle, working with commissioners, and becoming a service provider. The guide can be downloaded from the Department of Health website

Further details on Commissioning

• Commissioning Guidelines - Lewisham Compact Code of Practice (see Appendix 1)
• National Audit Office Successful Commissioning Guidance