UPDATE COMMISSIONING CONDITIONS


“As we have always anticipated, CCGs are at differing levels of maturity, so some do need intensive support”


is still much work to be done, before that goal is achieved. Commenting at the time, Dame Barbara


Hakin, national director of commissioning development said authorisation should be seen in the context of a longer term vision of the potential of CCGs. She viewed it not as an end in itself but a first step on a journey towards continuous improvement. Dame Barbara claimed the disparity in standards had always been allowed for and posed no serious issues, saying: “As we have always anticipated, CCGs are at differing levels of maturity, so some do need intensive support, while others are already well advanced. NHS England is fully committed to providing collaborative help and support for all CCGs,” adding: “We are confident that they will be able to further develop their capabilities within the coming months.”


CCG leaders have, of course, invested considerable energy in responding to the requirements of the authorisation process and their work has not gone to waste. Some of the conditions attached are minor formalities that will be dealt with quickly. Some issues can be dealt with through provision of simple advice or toolkits. However, others represent more serious gaps in competence and will take time to address, with remedial measures, including removal of certain functions or insertion of specific ‘troubleshooters’ into CCG management teams, temporarily eroding the ostensible aim of autonomy for the newly appointed groups. It is under level four conditions that these specific teams or individuals are imposed on CCGs, while level five would see the CCG’s accountable officer replaced.


Commissioning support units (CSUs)


will really have to earn their money in these circumstances and could play an important part in helping CCGs to overcome capability gaps. Indeed, there is a theory in some quarters that authorisation has been a clearer path for those who chose to use CSUs. For those struggling with key parts of their authorisation, the experienced heads, many with PCT experience, of CSU members will be vital to effect the necessary change. For those who chose to rely on in-house methods or alternatives to CSUs, it may be time to consider reviewing that process. There will be no quick fixes, but with the continued hard work and commitment of commissioners, there is light at the end of the condition- laden tunnel.


WWW.COMMISSIONINGSUCCESS.COM | 7


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72