My name is Naomi Compton and I work in the Children and Younger Adults Directorate of Derbyshire County Council. I came into this post in January 2007, and have a job title of 'Head of Service, Partnership Development and Commissioning'. The commissioning part of my job is across services for children and young people, working to support those who have the expertise, for example, working to support the Preventative Services Manager in commissioning preventative services. The 'partnership development' part of my post is the responsibilty to make sure that the voluntary, community and independent sectors (VCI) are engaged in the Children's Trust and acknowledged for their contribution. When I came into post I was keen to reduce the bureauracy of commissioning and contracting and have worked with over 120 providers to develop a process which is outcomes and outputs focused and is fair to both small providers and large providers in all sectors. I am beginning to look at commissioning for alternative education and would appreciate any tips.