The regional groups of DCSs and DASSs have secured project funding from the RIEP against a fairly high-level project outline. They have also agreed that the project should address the following common priorities:

Focus group:14-25 year olds with complex needs

Priority One: Tackling the costs of existing commissionin

Possible actions: To develop procurement devices/processes that can:

  •  Iron out existing independent provider cost irregularities 
  • Demand greater provider accountability for quality of provision 
  • Capitalise on joint-purchasing power to drive down prices 
  • Purchase specialist technical equipment more cheaply 

Priority Two Changing the prevailing commissioning culture and behaviours

Possible actions: To create a menu of opportunities and services for families and young people with complex needs that:

  • Incorporates placement options and support services that are available locally and across the region 
  • Supports a person-centred approach and the concept of families making their own choices to fit with personal budget developments 
  • Better supports family expectations about service options 
  • Starts to fundamentally challenge the culture of commissioning and the traditional ‘placing’ patterns 
  • Is more consistent with arrangements in adult services 
  • Can be developed in rigorous partnerships with schools from an early age (11-14?) families and other key professionals and backed by their full commitment (a regional approach/protocol?) 
  • Stimulates the market to develop a more imaginative range of good value services 
  • Responds to the views of young people with complex needs at this transitional phase

 A group of Project Champions has been nominated from each of the nine local areas. They are senior leaders who can contribute to the development of the project and in sufficiently senior positions to help the project to have an impact locally. The champions represent: 

  • Local Authority Children’s Services Commissioning 
  • Local Authority Adult Services Commissioning 
  • PCT Health Childrens Commissioning 
  • The local special school community

Information about the first event of the Project Champions group is available.