Are we all commissioners now?

 

For a while, commissioning became a bit of a dirty word in the NHS. We talked about system convening instead — as if the purchaser/provider split had quietly disappeared — despite ICBs holding statutory commissioning responsibilities. 

Commissioning never went away. We just stopped calling it that. 

 

For a while… It was never just about buying and monitoring services. It was always about: 

 

➡️ shaping pathways 

 

➡️ influencing decisions

 

➡️ allocating resources 

 

➡️ improving population outcomes 

 

And now we have "Fit for the future: towards population health delivery models". ? Providers won't just be delivering care ? Some will be responsible for population outcomes through IHOs 

 

So if you’re:
• redesigning pathways
• shifting demand
• influencing resource use
• doing in partnership with others ... to improve population outcomes

 

…you are commissioning.

Strategically. 

 

Many provider collaborative are doing elements of this. 

We’re seeing some really strong elements of provider led commissioning already. 

 

We aren't just talking about NHS organisations, but Local Authorities and VCSE organisations who make a massive contribution. 

 

Which means commissioning is no longer just a role - it’s a system-wide capability. 

 

And that demands a different mindset! A Strategic Commissioning Mindset™. 

 

From cost → public value 

❌ Not: “What are we spending?” 

✅ …but: “We create value with communities, together”

 

From compliance → democratic accountability to communities 

❌ Not: “Are we hitting targets?” 

✅ …but: “We are responsible to our communities for improving lives” 

 

From reactive → long-term impact 

❌ Not: “How do we manage demand?” 

✅ …but: “We focus upstream to create wellbeing and prevent ill-health” Here’s a challenge: 

 

If many people and organisations (at least in part) become a commissioner… …are we equipping them to think and act like one? 

 

⏳ Or are we still operating with models designed for a different era? 

 

Together with Sandra Buchan MBA Chartered FCIPD CPBP FIoL at Culture & Engagement Experts Ltd, and through The Wicked Problems Hub, we have been developing something in this space - bringing together our experience, knowledge and perspectives to shape what this mindset looks like in practice. 

 

⏱️ The countdown to 9th April begins... We are so excited to share what we have created. Connect with us or follow our feeds to keep up to date. 

 

Join the debate on LinkedIn