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By Terry Bamford, Routledge/Community Care.
£14.99
ISBN 0 415 24743 8

It is rare that books in the health or social care fields succeed in bridging the worlds of policy, practice and research. Happily this is one of the exceptions. This concise, accessible and well-written book is essential reading for anyone beginning their career in social care, or wanting to develop their understanding and skills around commissioning and purchasing. Bamford's own extensive experience in social services is invaluable, not least in providing the insights to what information is needed, and understanding how practical skills and knowledge can best be developed in the reader.

The introduction provides a helpful context to understanding how social services departments have evolved, and what commissioning and purchasing roles entail. The rest of the book takes the reader on a well signposted journey through the nuances of commissioning, involving service users and carers, care management, contracting, addressing costs and prices, and purchasing for quality. Each chapter is helpfully prefaced with a clear set of objectives, and the material is packaged in easily digested and appealing morsels.

Bamford offers some speculation on the short-term future of social care and the new forms of commissioning likely to emerge with fledgling care trusts.

Melanie Henwood is an independent health and social care analyst.