The first edition of ‘Understanding Commissioning’ was published in November 2008 to capture the learning from the programme delivered between February and March last year.  The first report was very well received across the health and social care communities of the South West and further afield. Used by many public sector agencies and third sector providers, it has become a useful reference guide and workbook.

Clare Steel, Head of Adult Social Care at Somerset County Council commented,

“Whilst it is intended for voluntary and community organisations as readers, there were elements to it that are useful to us too, in terms of simple explanations of commissioning and procurement, to Tender or not to Tender and how to Tender etc.“

When these sessions were first delivered, there was very little in the public domain about being on the brink of economic recession. But now that we are it is important to consider the impacts of this within the report. In times of recession, organisations often pull back from working together and investing (financially and personally) in their relationships. There is much fear in the sector currently about the negative impact of the recession on funding streams (whether grant or commissioned) and many organisations are finding themselves seeing a very gloomy future. So in this edition I have included a chapter at the end specifically addressing the issues relating to the economic downturn, the third sector and health and social care.

But it is worth remembering that during times of hardship, the purpose and values of the third sector can shine most brightly, illuminating a way to get the best outcomes for communities. In his speech to a gathering of third sector leaders early in March 2009 on the economic downturn, Stephen Bubb, Chief Executive of ACEVO (Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations) said that the third sector has much to offer both business and the State alike, providing a way to deal with current economic and social issues, leading the way to economic recovery and helping to strengthen accountability to help prevent a repeat in the future.

Now more than ever the potential of the third sector to strengthen communities is being recognised. The Cabinet Office commitment to invest a further £42.5 million in the Third Sector to ensure it can continue to deliver and campaign, as well as improve and develop it’s skills and expertise demonstrates the continuing commitment to a thriving third sector, working in partnership with public agencies for the good of communities.

Amongst all this, the need for small to medium sized third sector organisations to understand the context of health and social care commissioning increases. This second edition aims to provide an easy to use guide to help organisations to develop and to be ready for the challenges of the months and years to come.

Rebecca Hardwick Development Consultant, Third Sector Lead South West Development Centre

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