Thinking differently about commissioning

Commissioning and the role that commissioners play is fundamentally changing with the introduction of the new integrated care systems (ICSs) legal and organisational framework.

Providers and commissioners are increasingly planning services together, and commissioners will be tasked with acting more like local system enablers, integrating services by creating strong partnerships at place level.

The ‘purchaser–provider’ split will soon belong in the past and what was once a system based on competition is evolving into a system focused on collaboration. Rather than just delivering health services, innovative commissioners are starting to focus their efforts on improving population health. 

Legislative changes, once fully implemented and consolidated, will change the shape and nature of commissioning, and Covid-19 has both disrupted and inspired thinking and planning around the future of commissioning.    

This virtual conference took place from 11–14 July. Experts from The King’s Fund and NHS national bodies explored key developments in health and care commissioning and assessed how commissioning is shaping in 2022 and beyond.

Participants heard from innovative commissioners who are beginning to work in different ways – including new ways of paying for services and new approaches to joint working across clinical commissioning groups and local authorities. Experts from NHS national bodies discussed their insights with the audience.