Starting with you, we’ll help you to understand your role in commissioning and the types of commissioning you’ll encounter, as well as understanding your personal strengths and values.
The commissioning induction framework starts with you, your role, and understanding your personal strengths and values. It then branches out to consider the partnerships and relationships that make commissioning successful. We then look at getting to grips with the basics of the role.
Each section builds on the last, as values and relationships are key threads through every aspect of commissioning.
Understanding your new role
Understanding your role and remit will help you know where to start and what to focus on. You might come across the following descriptions of commissioning in your new role:
It's the question I dread... what do you do for a job? It’s a nightmare to try and answer when you’re not in the sector, so I simply say that I work with people to make sure the services funded by public money are provided in the right way.
For me, the ability to build relationships is paramount in the role of commissioner, not just with providers and partners, but most importantly with the people who use services and their families. There needs to be trust amongst all parties and reciprocity in relationships to create something meaningful.
Katy Ellison, Strategic Commissioning Programme Manager, Cheshire West and Chester Council
Types of commissioning
There are three broad types of commissioning you might encounter:
Strategic commissioning
Focusing on long-term goals, population needs, and system-wide outcomes. It involves:
Tactical commissioning
The bridge between strategic and operational. It translates strategic goals into specific programmes or service models. It involves:
Operational commissioning
Day-to-day management and delivery of commissioned services. It involves:
Your role might include or come into contact with:
Top tip
People with lived experience tell us that a common misconception of commissioning is that it’s the same as social work. Don’t assume that your role and remit is obvious. Being able to explain your role in a few simple and concise sentences can help build understanding and relationships with people, families, and other partners, both internally and externally.
Having a clear understanding of my role has strengthened relationships across departments and external partners, enabling advocacy for coproduction as a core element of commissioning.
Bestina Bukori, Coproduction and Engagement Lead, Slough Borough Council
Your strengths and values
Your journey into commissioning is unique. That’s your strength. Whatever your background, your experiences shape your values and motivations, guiding the decisions you make and the impact you create.
Starting with your ‘why’ and your values gives you a strong foundation to return to throughout your commissioning career. It helps keep your purpose clear and your decisions aligned with what matters most.
Top tip
There’s no singular pathway into a career in commissioning, your unique background and the unique mix of skills and experience that you bring to the role is your strength.
Hear from commissioning
A few years ago, we asked people working in commissioning how they got into commissioning, what they enjoy about their role, and how they make a difference.
Watch careers in commissioning videos.
Being clear about my role and purpose has made a huge difference in building trust.
People understand why I am involved and what I stand for, which makes conversations more honest, collaborative, and less transactional, particularly for those who have previously experienced harm or exclusion from systems.
I often use relationship mapping tools and reflective exercises to understand how I can best connect with different stakeholders.
Isaac Samuels OBE, Think Local, Act Personal (TLAP)