Project 35: Commissioners Network

The network was established following the South East region Commissioning Stocktake report and a recommendation to provide commissioners in the region with a regular opportunity to share best practice, challenges and possible solutions. The network is open to all local authorities and ICB colleagues who focus on commissioning for children and young people, including early years and preparing for and moving into adulthood. There has been a strong focus on different aspects of the commissioning cycle, what it means for children, including those with SEND, and/or those supported via early help or social care, and through commissioned health services or funding. The network enables individual LAs and ICBs to share their work with others and to discuss possible options moving forward, including maximising regional and sub regional approaches. The network will also provide a vehicle to discuss and coordinate responses to national initiatives, opportunities and surveys.

Meetings take place every two months and are held via MS Teams.

Lara Patel (Executive Director, Children’s Services, Brighter Futures for Children, Reading) is the Project Sponsor. and Chris Baird (details below) is the project co-ordinator.