Commissioning Qualifications
Currently there are limited qualifications available to commissioners within the drug and alcohol/social care field.
The Children`s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) in partnership with Skills for Care have recently developed National Occupational Standards for commissioners. It is anticipated that new qualifications for commissioners will be developed using the new NOS.
To view the new National Occupational Standards visit the that refer to commissioning within the DANOS suite of competencies that you will find on the Skills for care website
Oxford Brookes University – Institute of Public Care
The following qualifications are available from Oxford Brookes Institute of Public Care.
Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply – CIPS
The main professional body is the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). This organisation is an awarding body accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). Courses which are owned by CIPS include the Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Purchasing and Supply and a Graduate Diploma. N/SVQ`s are also a route to a CIPS qualification. CIPS also accredits undergraduate courses in Business Studies adn post graduate courses – mainly MSC and MBA.
Studies methods are varied and include part time at local college, distance learning, self study using CIPS guides, modular part time intesive and fast track and flexible through correspndence course.
Institute of Commissioning Professionals – IOCP
The Institute of Commissioning Professionals is a relatively new body. It was formed in July 2007 and is aimed at commissioning professionals in the public sector. For details of training and services available then visit their website at IOCP.
Useful Information for Commissioners
The Care Services Improvement Partnership have published an ebook on commissioning. The book covers all areas of the commissioning process and gives examples of effective practice.
Commissioning News is a bi- monthly publication for commissioners in the social care field.
Useful Links
Care Services Improvement Partnership
Commissioning News
IOCP
Oxford Brookes Institute of Public Care
