Social care commissioning system is ‘out of whack’, new publication finds

A new publication from the Coalition of Care & Support Providers (CCPS) explores the viability of an ethical approach to planning and purchasing social care, with eight sector leaders providing their perspectives on the current landscape through interviews with journalist Pennie Taylor.

The publication, “It’s out of whack!”,  highlights how commissioning and procurement has a significant impact on the delivery of support services, sustainability of providers, the workforce and on people receiving support.

Download the publication (PDF)

Interviewees consider how meaningful partnership, community-level co-production and innovative thinking could address unprecedented service challenges.

As reflected in the publication title, which draws on a comment from C-Change CEO Sam Smith, the consensus view is that the commissioning system as it stands is unbalanced.

CEOs, directors and managers interviewed make clear the risks not implementing reform poses to providers, and the major steps still required to realise the “collaborative, rights-based and participative approach” that was outlined in Derek Feeley’s Independent Review of Adult Scotland Care.

Catherine Garrod, CCPS Programme Manager – Commissioning and Procurement, said: “The expert voices in these interviews demonstrate how Third Sector care and support providers already deliver high quality personalised care and support and work to improve the outcomes of the people they support, in spite of the system.

“These are voices that need to be heard and included in finding the solutions to make the shift we all want – and need – to see for people who require support.

Pennie Taylor said: “The concept of ethical commissioning and procurement has been embedded in the proposals for a National Care Service for Scotland, but a new way of working cannot wait for that. Instead, the people I spoke to for “It’s out of whack!” all want to see action taken to galvanise change, using existing legislation to kickstart widespread reform without delay

“These features spotlight great examples of doing things differently, and describe first-hand experience of current practice that is far from ethical. They eloquently demonstrate the passion, commitment and creativity that keeps the Third Sector going, whatever the odds.”

Interviewees in the publication are Ben Bradbury, Business Development Manager, Capability Scotland; Ian Bruce, CEO, Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector; Drew Collier, Director of Development, includem; Dr Ron Culley, Chief Officer, Quarriers; Louise Moth, Contracts & Commissioning Manager, Scottish Autism; Julie Murray, Chief Officer, HSPC; Sam Smith, CEO of C-Change; and Andrew Thomson, Deputy Chief Executive, Carr Gomm.

The publication was commissioned by CCPS’s Commissioning and Procurement Programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government.

Find out more about the Commissioning and Procurement Programme