This part of the kitbag contains thought provoking writings on commissioning. If you have any questions or comments about these materials, please email us.

Practical challenges in commissioning: a children's provider perspective

This short review of the experience of only four family support contracts between local authorities and voluntary sector providers is not intended to offer a comprehensive overview of the relationship between commissioners and providers in children’s services.

A vision for commissioning for children and young people’s health outcomes

In February 2009 the Department of Health (DH) and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) set out a ground-breaking vision for the health of all children in the UK in a joint strategy. Healthy Lives, Brighter Futures: The strategy for children and young people’s health sets out aims for children and young people’s health and well-being. This opinion pieces explores these concepts by looking at a group of case studies.

Third sector organisations as co-investors in the health of local communities

This opinion piece outlines its aim to show how major national charities who are not service providers make substantial contributions to the health and well-being of children, young people and their families in local communities, taking the work of the British Heart Foundation (BHF) as an example.

Assessing the strength of the marketplace of children's service providers for looked-after children

This study looks at recently audited financial statements of a range of providers in each of three distinct service providers – fostering agencies, children’s homes and residential special schools.