New induction framework looks to tackle a lack of support for new adult social care commissioners

Oonagh Smyth, Chief Executive Officer, Skills for Care; Chris Badger, Chief Inspector of Adult Social Care and Integrated Care, CQC; and Cllr Dr Wendy Taylor MBE, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Health and Wellbeing Committee look at how a new induction framework is supporting the commissioning workforce.

Adult social care commissioners hold a pivotal role in coordinating services and shaping the direction of adult social care across systems. However, despite holding such an important role, commissioners have reported a lack of support when they start out. Through local authority assessments and engagement with commissioning teams across the country, there is clear evidence that while there is excellent commissioning practice taking place, greater consistency and stronger support for people entering commissioning roles is needed. A well-inducted and supported commissioning workforce is essential to strengthening commissioning practice and, ultimately, improving the quality of adult social care across England.

To help meet these challenges, earlier this year Skills for Care launched a commissioning induction framework which covers many of the things it’s important for a new commissioner to know about. This includes understanding the different types of commissioning, how to develop effective commissioning relationships and an overview of the commissioning cycle. An induction action plan is included to work through in the first three months after a commissioner starts in their role, helping to embed learning from the framework. A reflective checklist is also available to revisit at any time and support ongoing development.

The framework has been co-created with commissioners, people who draw on care and support, providers and other experts all providing a range of expertise and diverse perspectives. It includes tips, words of support and helpful resources from people who understand the challenges and opportunities of commissioning.

Collaboration with other expert organisations has also been essential in ensuring that the framework reflects the realities of working in commissioning, including Partners in Care and Health (a partnership between the Local Government Association and Association of Directors of Adult Social Services). Based on these expert insights, the framework uses the term ‘commissioning workforce’ to recognise that commissioning teams are configured differently across organisations. This includes commissioners, specialist roles and the many professionals who contribute to local commissioning functions.

People enter the commissioning workforce through many different routes, and that diversity is one of the sector's strengths. However, we know that many people starting in commissioning are looking for clearer guidance and support as they begin their careers. The framework has been designed to provide a practical and comprehensive introduction to commissioning practice, helping people build confidence, develop their understanding and strengthen connections with colleagues and partners across local systems.

We know from speaking with commissioners already using the framework that they are finding it useful for providing practical tips, reminders and prompts to support different aspects of their role. We've received positive feedback that the induction action plan helps people understand that commissioning is fundamentally about putting people at the centre of decision-making and keeping a clear focus on outcomes. New commissioners have also told us that the framework strikes a helpful balance between being informative and manageable, providing relevant guidance without feeling overwhelming. Many have highlighted the practical resources linked throughout the framework as a particular strength.

The commissioning induction framework sits alongside other resources designed to strengthen commissioning practice across adult social care. As commissioners develop in their roles, the Partners in Care and Health’s Adult Social Care Commissioning Self-Evaluation Framework (CSEF) can help teams reflect on their commissioning landscape, assess the effectiveness of their approach and identify priorities for improvement. Together, the induction framework and CSEF provide support for both individual development and wider organisational improvement.

While the induction framework is primarily for people who are new to the adult social care commissioning workforce and who are based in a local authority, integrated care system or multidisciplinary role, it may also be useful for people who are new to commissioning in other areas, such as health or public health. Established commissioners may also find it valuable as an opportunity to revisit the fundamentals of adult social care commissioning.

Ensuring we have the right support in place for the commissioning workforce to feel knowledgeable and confident at every stage of their career is crucial. Investing in commissioning capability is ultimately an investment in better outcomes for people who draw on care and support, helping ensure services are responsive, effective and focused on what matters most to them.

Access the commissioning induction framework on the Skills for Care website. If you're using the commissioning induction framework in your organisation, tell us about it by contacting becky.cook@skillsforcare.org.uk.

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