A practical and engaging development programme for commissioners who want to develop their practice to make resources work better for communities.
Collaborate, Co-Production Collective and Ideas Alliance are delighted to
launch the third cohort of our commissioning programme that’s aimed at supporting
commissioners who want to do things differently.
If you’re fed up with approaches that don’t reflect the complex realities of the issues
we’re trying to address, that encourage siloed working and competition over
collaboration, that reinforce systemic power dynamics, that prioritise process over
people – come and join us to explore what different can look like and gain support
on putting this into practice in your own work.
Collaborate also offers broader or bespoke commissioning support,
helping commissioning teams step into their role as enablers of social change in their place.
What’s the offer?
Six-session online programme – starting September 2025 and running until February 2026.
What can participants expect?
This six-session online programme will blend input, peer learning and practical support to develop your commissioning practice, and help you influence and embed this within your organisation. Delivered by a team with a wealth of commissioning and co-production experience, we know how important it is to blend ideas and inspiration with practical support to translate the theory into day-to-day practice.
Key features of the programme include that …
● It is underpinned by a focus on: co-production, collaboration, understanding power dynamics and anti-racist practice, relational approaches, learning, and systems leadership. We bring deep expertise in providing hand-on support to help partners develop these approaches, as well as shaping new thinking and practice nationally e.g. on Alliancing and Human Learning Systems.
● It begins with a foundational session exploring the above features, before
moving through the commissioning cycle (insight gathering, co-design,
procurement, delivery and learning), and finishing with a session on the
Emerging Role of Commissioner to consolidate our learning and shape what
we do next.
● There will be a focus on peer learning throughout – there will be so much
collective wisdom in the room, and you will have the opportunity to share
and support other commissioners from a range of backgrounds.
Who is the programme for?
Are you….?
● Trying to develop more co-produced, collaborative and adaptive
commissioning approaches?
● Curious to learn more about Human Learning Systems and alliance
contracting?
● Keen to gain support to understand how to apply the theory in practice?
● Reflecting on the Procurement Act 2023 and what it means for your
commissioning practice?
● Looking to develop a network of peers from across the country who are
developing innovative new approaches to commissioning?
The programme is designed for commissioners from a range of backgrounds including health, local authorities and police and crime commissioners, who want to stretch and develop their practice.
What our participants say
“The commissioning programme is a must for individuals and organisations seeking to evolve and innovate in a complex commissioning environment. The programme challenged my assumptions on what ‘great’ commissioning looks like – creating a fresh perspective on the value and power of co-production, insight gathering and innovative procurement in driving inclusive and sustainable improvements in population health and care outcomes.”
“Invigorating and refreshing for all commissioners…always good to take time out of the day job to stop and take a look at how you work – think about it and resolve to do some things differently and see what happens.”
“I enjoyed the training and coming together very much and feel inspired to be brave as a commissioner to bring service users as partners to the table to make decisions that will influence services that matter to them.”
“I would recommend this to anyone working in Commissioning, it was practical, informative and I thoroughly enjoyed learning from other colleagues from around the country”
Programme outline
Module 1
Setting the scene
18 September 10am-1pm
Module 2
Co-production
9 October 10am-1pm
Module 3
Insight gathering
6 November 10am-1pm
Module 4
Procurement
27 November 10am-1pm
Module 5
Delivery and learning
15 January 10am-1pm
Module 6
Our emerging role as commissioners
5 February 10am-1pm
How to get involved
The cost is £1,250 + VAT for the first participant from each organisation. We have found that it is particularly beneficial when there are multiple participants from an organisation and you can bring up to two additional colleagues for £1,100 + VAT per person. This covers participation in the programme from April – September 2025 and the opportunity to engage in some alumni activities.
To register, please complete this registration form by 14 August or email [email protected] with your attendee details.
We’ll be in touch with more information about the programme shortly after.
To express your interest in a tailored programme for your organisation or place or broader commissioning support, please email [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.