5.3. Commissioning is the process by which public bodies including local authorities, decide what services their communities need, allocate funding for those services, and oversee their delivery. It involves a structured cycle that includes an assessment of need, options appraisal, procurement, and performance monitoring. The goal is to improve outcomes in a manner that is efficient, effective, equitable and sustainable. (Local Government Association) - Responsibility for commissioning and contract management is currently led by individual services.
5.4. Procurement is defined as the buying of works, goods or services that enable an organisation to operate its supply chains. The central strategic procurement team are responsible for overseeing the steps of the procurement cycle, covering core activities such as market analysis, sourcing, negotiation, contracting and supplier relationship management. Procurement adds value and reduces risk across the supply chain by establishing the right working relationships with suppliers. (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply)
5.5. The Commissioning Modernisation Programme has continued to support the Council's ambition to strengthen the way services are designed, commissioned, procured and managed.
5.6. The programme seeks to ensure that commissioning decisions are informed by evidence, aligned to corporate priorities and focused on delivering improved outcomes for residents. It promotes earlier planning, improved understanding of market conditions and stronger integration between service areas and commercial functions.
5.7. The Commissioning Modernisation Programme was established to modernise how the Council commissions third-party services and to deliver a savings target of £16.2m – 5% of the Council's ~£323m in-scope third-party budget base. The programme is overseen by the Haringey Commissioning Board (chaired by the Section 151 Officer), supported by a monthly Strategic Operational Group, with delivery through two workstreams: Commissioning and Practice and Service Re-design.
5.8. The scope of the programme currently is revenue contracts over £25,000 due for renewal by 30 April 2027, plus contracts held in scope through short-term extensions running to 31 December 2027. The scope for future years will be contracts due for renewal and the tender planning process must commence in that financial year. Capital works are out of scope.