Children’s Commissioning Course

Course Overview

The Children’s Commissioning Course, offered by the Institute of Public Care (IPC) at Oxford Brookes University, is specifically designed for commissioners of children’s services in health and social care organisations. This course aims to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge to implement the national commissioning agenda and develop best practices in commissioning value-for-money services for children and young people.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic and operational aspects of commissioning, enabling them to lead initiatives that promote positive outcomes in health and social care. By participating in this course, commissioners will be equipped with the tools to navigate complex challenges, engage stakeholders effectively, and deliver innovative solutions that align with national priorities.

Booking and Cost

The next Children’s Commissioning Course will be held online on October 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, and November 6th, 7th, 13th, and 14th, 2024. COURSE NOW FULL.

If the course is full, you can request to be added to the waiting list by emailing ipc_courses@brookes.ac.uk with the subject line: “Children’s Services Waiting List”.

Please note our Cancellation and Non-Attendance Policy applies to all bookings.

Course Content and Format

The Children’s Commissioning Course is delivered over eight half-day online sessions, supported by independent study, allowing participants to balance their professional responsibilities with their learning. The programme covers key aspects of commissioning, utilising the IPC Commissioning Framework and a range of practical exercises to explore effective commissioning techniques and tools:

  • National Commissioning Agenda: Understanding the relevant national policies and agendas for public care.
  • IPC Commissioning Framework: Engaging in structured organisational self-analysis and exploring practical commissioning tools.
  • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Promoting inclusive practices in commissioning activities.
  • Collaborative Commissioning: Working effectively with partners and stakeholders across various sectors.
  • Needs Analysis and Systems Mapping: Analysing local population needs and managing knowledge to inform commissioning decisions.
  • Cost and Market Analysis: Understanding the costs associated with care services and shaping the market for innovative service delivery.
  • Market Shaping: Influence and shape the care market while managing provider relationships.
  • Outcome-Based Commissioning: Developing service responses that focus on delivering outcomes for children and young people.
  • Engagement and Personalisation: Involving people with care and support needs in the commissioning process to create more personalised services.
  • Effective Purchasing and Contracting: Implementing clear specifications and appropriate contracting arrangements for service delivery.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Reviewing commissioning and contracting processes to ensure effectiveness and efficiency.

Accreditation

The Children’s Commissioning Course offers an optional accredited component that supports your Continuing Professional Development (CPD). By completing an assignment based on a work-based commissioning project, you can earn a Postgraduate Certificate in Commissioning and Purchasing from Oxford Brookes University, worth 20 Masters-level CATS points at postgraduate level 7. This accredited option allows you to apply theory and best practices to real-world tasks, with support through three group sessions and two individual online tutorials. There is an additional fee of £540 per person for accreditation.

 

Get in Touch

To learn more about the Children’s Commissioning Course and the Postgraduate Certificate in Commissioning and Purchasing, or to book your place, please contact the Programme Administration office.

Sasha Carter,
Programme Administrator

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