Fifth programme, November 2009

Following completion of the fourth programme of skills development for commissioners in social, care and health the NWJIP is pleased to publish details of its new skills and development programme compliant with the requirements of both the NHS and Local Government and supportive of both generic and specialist (e.g. in mental health or leaning disability services) commissioners.  For information about the programme and to find out how to register an interest see here

Fourth programme, April - July 2009

A fourth set began in April 2009 which focused on working with whole authority/PCT groups   with some nominations carried over from the third set which started in January 2009. The learning set consisted of a number of taught sessions (at a North West location) together with focussed project work. The option to obtain certification at post-graduate level was available.

For further information about this programme please contact David Whyte at david.whyte@csip.org.uk or telephone 0161 408 6732

Third programme, January - April 2009

A third regional development programme began in January 2009. The focus of the programme was on the effective joint commissioning of health and wellbeing services for adults, and aimed to help participants to develop skills, abilities and confidence in their commissioning activities as well as providing knowledge-sharing and problem-solving opportunities. The input from IPC covered the following topics:

• National policy and best practice underpinning commissioning, including a vision for transformed health and wellbeing services.
• Joint strategic commissioning and market influencing.
• Outcome-based commissioning and personalisation.
• Commissioning structures, staffing and skills.

Full programme details can be downloaded - click here - for a pdf version and - click here - for a Word version.

For further information please contact David Whyte at david.whyte@csip.org.uk or telephone 0161 408 6732

Second programme, June-September 2008

IPC delivered a second regional programme in the North West between June and September 2008. The second action learning programme was well received and comments from participants included:

"One of the most beneficial courses I have been on re commissioning. I enjoyed the sharing of information from neighbouring authorities."

"The self assessment tool [was most beneficial] as it allowed us to focus on parts we have neglected and give us ideas on where we need to focus attentions for 08/09."

"Interesting and stimulating material and good opportunity to debate safely!"

First programme, October - December 2007

The first action learning programme was well received and comments from participants included:

"This was an excellent well designed programme, which took us a long way in our thinking about where we need to be".

"Have appreciated the opportunity to learn and share in a positive environment - would like to meet six monthly with the group to catch up on progress".

A delegation of seven participants from Stockport participated. As an alternative to working on individual action learning issues, the participants from Stockport used their sessions to focus on a collective PCT/local authority issue - the development of an Integrated Commissioning Unit.

Over the course of the programme, managers from Stockport, with the aid of the facilitator, identified a consensus for change, an assessment of their current commissioning arrangements and a vision for their organisational developments. Between action learning set sessions, Stockport participants developed a draft joint strategic commissioning protocol and design principals for their integrated commissioning arrangements. During the final session, the group began to develop their project plan for the delivery of the organisational development arrangements and agreed their initial next steps. Stockport participants' feedback included:

"It [the programme] came at just the right time for Stockport".

"I'd like IPC to do a 'challenge session' every quarter to support our organisational development work and facilitate our progress".

A full report of the programme can be downloaded - click here.