National Commissioning Academy applications are open: September 2026 to February 2027View dates and fees

Entry-level programme

Commissioning: a 10-step introduction

Grasp the principles of effective commissioning, apply them quickly, and build a network for support and challenge.

Available for cohorts

Commissioning as a mindset

This intensive introduction helps people develop public services that make a positive and lasting difference to local lives. It treats commissioning as a way of working with outcomes, citizens, resources, quality, partners, procurement, values, and innovation.

The programme was originally co-developed with the Association of Policing and Crime Chief Executives. It complements the deeper National Commissioning Academy.

How the learning works

Three interactive programme days are normally spaced about two weeks apart. Participants can reflect, practise between sessions, and use a small action-learning set that may continue after the programme.

The title reflects ten core commissioning questions. A final eleventh question turns the learning into action.

  1. What are we doing anyway?
  2. What is commissioning?
  3. Do we have to talk about leadership?
  4. Are members of the public just customers?
  5. How do we make the most of our resources?
  6. Where does quality come into commissioning?
  7. Can we talk about procurement now?
  8. Where do our values fit in?
  9. How can we work best with our partners?
  10. How can we design in creativity and innovation?
  11. What now?

What participants leave with

Participants should be able to act with more confidence, use a commissioning mindset in live work, and call on peers for practical support and challenge.

Start with the work

Tell us what is happening, who needs to act, and what cannot wait.

We will help you decide whether a short diagnostic, an in-house cohort, a place-based academy, or an existing programme is the sensible next move.