Self-assessment toolkit for local Healthwatch and local Healthwatch Commissioners

"This toolkit is not intended to replace any of that advice but sets out some key governance questions for LHW and local commissioners to think about in development discussions and in renegotiating contracts."

Local Healthwatch Governance: a self-assessment toolkit for local Healthwatch and local Healthwatch Commissioners
Local Government Association
July 2015

Read more here.

Study on the use of contractual mechanisms in commissioning

"Overall, the findings of the study indicate that retaining a national standard contract is advisable, as it can both ensure a degree of uniformity in respect of nationally important issues across the country, and reduce transactions costs involved in contract negotiation at local level."

Study on the use of contractual mechanisms in commissioning: Final report
P Allen, C Petsoulas, B Ritchie
Policy Research Unit in Commissioning and the Healthcare System
May 2015

Read more here.

Can the NHS handle the outsourcing of clinical services?

"If the outsourcing of NHS clinical services to the private sector is to continue, and if patients and the public are to be confident that standards are being met and that value for money is achieved, a number of measures need to be taken to address the issues raised in this report."

The contracting NHS - can the NHS handle the outsourcing of clinical services?
Centre for Health and the Public Interest
March 2015

Read more here.

Commissioning and funding general practice

"The complex commissioning environment (tendering processes and financial risk) could preclude many GPs from developing services or operating in formal partnerships."

Commissioning and funding general practice
R Addicott, C Ham
The King's Fund
February 2014

Read more here.

Read a summary from the Commissioning Elf here.

Methods for setting prices at national and local levels

"Our research highlights some of the challenges that commissioners face in agreeing local contracts that deliver the best outcomes for patients."

Local price setting and contracting practices for NHS services without a nationally mandated price: A research paper
Monitor
September 2013

Read more here.