ASC Commissioning Self Evaluation Framework (CSEF)

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This Self Evaluation Framework has been produced to support ASC commissioners working in local authorities to; build a clear picture of their commissioning landscape, reflect on the effectiveness of their current approach and identify priority areas for action and accelerate improvement with confidence. The Framework also signposts relevant support, resources and shared learning to guide and enhance improvement activity.
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Partners in Care and Health

About the Self Evaluation Framework

The Framework was developed by 31ten, on behalf of PCH, and involved ASC commissioners and sector partners, including Care Providers, NHS, Department of Health and Social Care, CQC and Lived experience groups, to ensure the framework focuses on sector priorities.

Aims and objectives

The CSEF is designed to: 

  • help ASC Commissioners better understand their local context, draw on insight and intelligence to identify where improvements are needed and to establish what these improvements are and how they can be achieved
  • support ASC commissioners deliver improvements and positive changes to the effectiveness of actions, behaviours and ways of working that underpin effective decision-making and delivery
  • be comprehensive and cover the aspects and themes that ASC commissioners should / could focus on to sustain and shape their local care and support sector
  • provide a logical and simple way for ASC commissioners to consider the different areas, challenges and opportunities
  • be flexible: it will accommodate and support input from various LA staff and partners, be possible to complete it in various ways and circumstances.

The CSEF is not intended to:

  • require ASC commissioners to complete it in full, or in an exact order. 
  • override local decision-making or prescribe specific approaches to what is commissioned or how this is done
  • judge the approach of LAs or assess them against a standard. 
     

CSEF structure and contents

Summary of Key Elements of the CSEF 

The figure below provides an overview of the key elements of the CSEF. Each of these will be described in more detail in the guidance material.

Flowchart explaining CSEF structure: "Part," "Section," "Success measures," "Success statements," "Maturity ratings," "Guidance and resources." Each defines an aspect of commissioning with a focus on organization and assessment.

 

Overall structure

The CSEF is divided into two parts: commissioning leadership and commissioning practice. Each part contains themes identified as critical to effective commissioning in ASC, which are collated into sections.

Commissioning leadership

Three labelled sections connect to a central box: "Organisations," "People," and "Place" lead to "Part 1 Leadership," in various shades of purple.
The structure of Part 1 (Leadership) is outlined in the figure above.

 

  • organisations’ focuses on organisational enablers, governance, partnership and integration.
  • ‘people’ focuses on relationships and collaboration, workforce development and outcomes for local people. 
  • ‘place’ focuses on market development, place-shaping, using evidence and innovation.

Commissioning practice

Diagram with four coloured sections labelled Analyse, Plan, Do, Review, surrounding a central grey box labelled Part 2 Practice.
The structure of Part 2 (Practice) is outlined in the figure above

 

The Commissioning Practice part is structured around four phases of activity (analyse, plan, do, review) and covers the key principles of effective ASC Commissioning within each phase of the cycle:

  • 'analyse' focuses on identifying need and demand, building a clear vision, and determining how best to meet the needs of the population
  • 'plan' focuses on using intelligence to shape approaches, measures and routes to market
  • 'do' focuses on working with the market to agree delivery routes, developing service specifications, governance and decision making
  • 'review' focuses on assessing whether care and support meets identified needs and delivering quality outcomes.

The theme of co-production and collaboration appears in each section of the Commissioning Practice part.

Although presented in a linear order, the Commissioning Practice part should be understood as a continuous cycle, driving ongoing learning and improvement.

Success measures

Success measures have been developed as core themes within each section of the CSEF, with four or five measures per section. These measures set out the key areas that should be considered and reflected upon as part of effective ASC Commissioning. Each measure is accompanied by a short description, providing an overarching view of what it should encompass. Collectively, the success measures articulate a reference point for effective commissioning without being overly prescriptive. The figure below outlines a summary of the success measures in each part of the CSEF.

Success statements

Success statements sit below the success measures within each section. There are several success statements for each success measure, and they seek to break down each success measure into more detailed, practical components, offering clear examples of what should be considered and reflected upon within commissioning activity. Each statement is intentionally concise and focused, typically highlighting a single element, to support structured reflection. Success statements have been designed to enable ASC Commissioners to assess where they are demonstrating good practice and identify areas requiring further development. Success statements are designed to be ambitious, aspirational yet achievable, to support in setting ambitious targets, with clear steps to reach them.

Using the CSEF

Key Steps to completion 

  1. The first step to completing this web-based resource is to request your unique LA link by email from the PCH Commissioning and Markets Team at [email protected]. 
  2. PCH will email this link to you, along with all supporting resources.
  3. Once you have completed the CSEF, click ‘submit’ to send the information to PCH.
  4. PCH will reply with a simple Summary Report that sets out your LA’s status for each success measure, and useful next steps and resources based on your maturity ratings for each success measure.

To view the CSEF, record draft results, or share your results with other internal or external stakeholders for their input, please use our companion document [link to excel document]