B2. Optimising Resources A-Z of Commissioning October 2010

2 Outline I.Introduction and contextIntroduction and context II.Theory and conceptsTheory and concepts III.BenefitsBenefits IV.Practical tipsPractical tips V.Case studyCase study VI.Group exerciseGroup exercise

B2. Optimising Resources I. Introduction and context

4 Introduction

5 What Are The Resources?

B2. Optimising Resources II. Theory and concepts

7 So, How Can You Optimise Resources? Following slides examine approaches currently used by commissioners in childrens services: –Finance –Workforce –Providers / markets –Capital –Co-production

8 Optimising Finance There are many techniques for optimising finances – different techniques will be best for different circumstances. Including: –Mapping spend across services, e.g. using Total Place –Regional and sub-regional commissioning –Aligning budgets between partners –Pooling budgets between partners –Opportunities for revenue generation –Cost modelling and identifying waste

9 Process for Pooling Budgets

10 Optimising Workforce Workforce can also be optimised by carefully planning what is required to meet a set of outcomes or deliver a service. Workforce design (alongside other resources) should be part of a commissioning strategy. Examples approaches include: –Changing the location, cost, skills / qualifications / volume of staff –one workforce framework Source: DCSF / CWDC

11 Optimising Providers/Markets Markets are a resource for commissioners and can also be managed and optimised – to make a market more efficient or more sustainable. For example: –Competition, choice and market diversity –Procurement approach –Business support –Information sharing –Performance management –Relationships and power balance

12 Optimising Capital Again, there are multiple techniques to optimise the distribution and use of capital and these will be appropriate for different circumstances, e.g. –Distribution of buildings for childrens services, and mapping of these to need –Shared use of buildings for services and back-office functions –Opening hours for buildings –Equipment use, e.g. wheelchairs, vehicles

13 Optimising Co-Production And the contribution from parents, children and young people, family members, the community and volunteers can also be optimised. E.g. –Agreeing a vision or offer for the local area –Children and young people contributing to decision making, e.g. for residential care –Turning the curve approach to engagement and service design –Use of behaviour contracts, agreements, family conferencing

B2. Optimising Resources III. Benefits

15 Benefits of Resource Optimisation Outcomes can be delivered more efficiently, effectively, equitably and sustainably – i.e. delivering savings or better lives for children and young people

B2. Optimising Resources IV. Practical tips

17 Tips for Optimising Resources Resources can only be optimised if they are understood across the local area. The first step is to map, as a minimum, the finances, capital, providers / workforce across key local partners. Techniques developed for example by Total Place can help understand the best ways to optimise. Waste is often found in the overlap between services, e.g. intensive family support where several organisations will be working with the same family – but sometimes in an inefficient way. Work with professionals (public / voluntary / private) and users to optimise the system Build optimisation of all resources into commissioning strategies – to meet particular needs or deliver particular service areas

B2. Optimising Resources V. Case study

19 London Borough Three separate Early Years markets with different data definitions for each: –School nurseries –Private and voluntary provision –Maintained nurseries Childcare free entitlement is unaffordable No information about cost breakdown or sensitivities

B2. Optimising Resources VI. Group exercise

21 Family Information Service (FIS) Each local area has set up a Family Information Service built around a database of providers, and internet / phone / leaflet access to the information. As a commissioner you are about to set up a FIS… In groups, consider each of the following questions: 1.What does a Family Information Service do? 2.What is the outcome that the FIS delivers for parents? 3.How is this outcome normally delivered? 4.Consider other innovative or cheap methods might also be used to deliver this outcome?

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