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Commissioning Network

Welcome to the home page of the Commissioning Network (formerly the Commissioning from FTs Network). This network was established primarily to provide a forum for the Finance and Commissioning leads in PCTs who are contracting with FTs but it also embraces the wider plural provision as well.

The PCTs Working with Foundation Trusts Finance and Commissioning Leads Sub-Group continues to meet.  This has allowed time for valuable updates keeping group members ahead of DH thinking and providing the opportunity to Network together and fast track each other’s learning.  At the meeting on 19 February, Anthony Kealy (DH Policy directorate) provided an update on commissioning issues and Sebastian Habibi gave an update on the PbR consultation.  The group also looked at how SUS may be used to support 18 week implementation, PBC and validation issues.  The Commercial Directorate are moving forward with the commissioning framework and selecting partners to support PCTs.  Finally the group shared their commissioning hot topics.

The complete set of notes from all our meetings are below.

The Commissioning from Foundation Trusts Network is working closely with the Chairs and Chief Executives in the Network for PCTs working with Foundation Trusts, meeting on a quarterly basis around the UK. We have the support of key players in the Department of Health:

"Transforming commissioners and commissioning will be critical to the successful implementation of key system reforms. That transformation cannot be achieved without the active involvement of key NHS stakeholders. This network, and others like it, will have a vital role to play in influencing and helping to design and test policy. It has my wholehearted support and I wish it every success."
Richard Douglas, Director of Finance and Investment

This network is open to anyone who has responsibility for contracting and commissioning from FTs. If you wish to be included on this network then please e-mail krishna.patel@networks.nhs.uk

We hope that you will lend this new network your support and get fully engaged in its development. Please direct any enquires to Alison Tonge.

Useful documents

Network contact: Krishna Patel, krishna.patel@networks.nhs.uk