Case Study

Children’s trust commissioning
Derbyshire Council

More than 100 voluntary, community, independent and statutory sector providers helped shape the Derbyshire children’s trust commissioning process, according to a briefing paper from the council.

Organisations seeking funding for preventive services have to address how many children will benefit as well as what the impact will be on the children’s lives. Their applications are assessed by a panel including a young person.

Applicants who tender successfully for a slice of the £6.7m funding for preventive services over the next three years are also expected to identify additional external funding sources.

Anne Western, deputy council head and cabinet member for children’s services, says: “The political leadership and the commitment of senior officers has been vital in securing the continuation of high quality preventive services.”

Describing the lack of commitment in some other authorities as “short-sighted”, Western warns: “The lack of continuity will result in the loss of skills and committed practitioners who have been working with families in a non-stigmatised environment and have, therefore, been able to provide services to families who would not necessarily have received them through statutory organisations.”