Commissioning Development Programmes

Transform your commissioning with expert training from the Institute of Public Care

Build confidence. Strengthen capability. Deliver better outcomes.

For over two decades, the Institute of Public Care has been recognised across the UK as a thought leader in commissioning. We are trusted by governments, local authorities, and national bodies to develop best-practice guidance, including:

  • Guide to Co-production in Adult Social Care for South East ADASS
  • Leading Integrated and Collaborative Commissioning for the National Commissioning Board for Wales
  • Joint Strategic Commissioning Learning Development Framework for the Scottish Government and Joint Improvement Team

Our expertise is grounded in real-world practice, research, and our renowned Commissioning Cycle – a model first developed in 2002 and still widely used across the public sector today.

Whether you’re building a commissioning‑confident workforce, developing specialist skills, or investing in accredited professional development, we offer comprehensive, flexible training designed for all levels.

Our Training Offer

Introduction to Commissioning Workshops

This interactive in-person workshop brings teams together to build a shared understanding of commissioning principles, roles, and responsibilities – ideal for aligning large, mixed-experience teams across your organisation.

Commissioning Masterclasses

These focused one-day masterclasses let you target specific commissioning skills through evidence-based learning, peer discussion, and practical action planning – available off-the-shelf or designed bespoke for your team.

Accredited Commissioning Training

Professional qualifications for every stage of a commissioning career

IPC offers established and highly regarded training, which allows public care commissioners to accredit their learning and gain a qualification that supports their ongoing professional development. We offer a range of courses that support colleagues at different stages of their career in commissioning as well as a bespoke development for placement and brokerage officers.

Principles of Commissioning Level 4

For those new to commissioning or whose role influences commissioning. Learn the essentials: what good commissioning looks like, how to apply the commissioning cycle, and the fundamentals of best practice.

Care Purchasing and Brokerage Level 5

Designed for placement and brokerage officers working in adults’ or children’s services. Develop practical skills in managing referrals, negotiation, provider engagement, and securing the right individual placements.

Commissioning and Purchasing Level 7

Our flagship programme for commissioners with at least one year’s experience. Explore strategic commissioning, needs analysis, collaborative approaches, equality, market shaping, personalised services, contracting, and much more — with critical reflection of your current practice a key component.

New for 2026: Leading Commissioning with Confidence

We are launching a new national leadership programme for current and future aspiring leaders in adult social care commissioning. This programme is aimed at experienced commissioners who are looking to progress into leadership roles such as directors and assistant directors of commissioning.

Transform Your Commissioning Capability

To explore how our commissioning training can build capability across your organisation, get in touch today. Let’s discuss how we can tailor our offer to meet your team’s specific needs and deliver lasting impact.

Book a Course

Upcoming Course Dates:

This short course is aimed at colleagues who are new to commissioning roles or for colleagues who influence or impact commissioning within their roles, but may not be ‘traditional’ commissioning officers.

Upcoming Course Dates:

This programme is designed for experienced commissioners ready to step into director-level leadership roles in adult social care, building the strategic skills, political awareness, and peer networks to lead with confidence.

Upcoming Course Dates:

This interactive in-person workshop brings teams together to build a shared understanding of commissioning principles, roles, and responsibilities – ideal for aligning large, mixed-experience teams across your organisation.

Upcoming Course Dates:

These focused one-day masterclasses let you target specific commissioning skills through evidence-based learning, peer discussion, and practical action planning – available off-the-shelf or designed bespoke for your team.

Upcoming Course Dates:

This course is aimed at commissioners of children’s services. It is designed to support you to implement the national agenda and develop good commissioning practice

Upcoming Course Dates:

Crafted for social care staff working in children’s services care placement, brokerage, or purchasing roles, this course provides the expertise needed to excel in children’s care services.

Upcoming Course Dates:

Aimed at commissioners of adult care and health services, this course supports you in implementing national agendas and developing effective commissioning practices.

Upcoming Course Dates:

This course is tailored for social care staff working in adult care placement, brokerage, or purchasing roles. Enhance your knowledge and skills to better navigate the complexities of adult care services.

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Publication Signup

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

To receive our newsletter & gain access to our publications, please add your details below and select areas of interest. If you've done this before, you will see this prompt if you've deleted or don't collect browser cookies, or it's been more than a year since you've visited this page.

We will always store your personal details securely. We will never sell your contact details to another organisation and never share your data with other organisations for marketing purposes. You can opt-out at any time.

Subject Areas of Interest
Marketing Permissions
Please select all the ways you would like to hear from Institute of Public Care:

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted in relation to News, Resources, and Updates. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please view our Privacy Policy.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.