Office of the Third Sector Homepage

Main navigation

National Programme for Third Sector Commissioning

Public sector bodies use a commissioning process to establish:

• The need for a service
• The design of that service
• The procurement (purchase) of a service
• Evaluation of a service

The government is working to improve commissioning to get the best possible services that deliver value for money. 

Eight principles of good commissioning

• Understand the needs of those using the service
• Consult provider organisations when setting priorities
• Put outcomes for users at the heart of the process
• Map the fullest practical range of providers
• Consider investing in the provider base
• Ensure contract processes are transparent and fair
• Ensure long term contracts and risk sharing
• Seek feedback to review effectiveness of the commissioning process

The National Programme for Third Sector Commissioners aims to improve commissioners’ understanding of the potential of the third sector in designing, delivering and improving public services.

The programme:

• Is engaging with up to 2,000 commissioners working across the public sector to increase awareness of the contribution the third sector can make in commissioning of public services
• Has set up a community of practice to share good ideas
• Has worked with business schools and universities provide accredited training

The Office of the Third Sector is delivering the programme with the Improvement and Development Agency (IDeA). The initial 2,000 commissioners being trained will include staff in  primary care trusts, the National Offender Management Service, local councils, and others who have a large impact on the third sector.

More on the programme is available from the IDeA website [external website]