Putting communities at the heart of commissioning

A key publication from Community Southwark, The Value of Collaborative Commissioning offers a compelling case for placing collaboration at the heart of how services are designed and commissioned in our region. Building upon the State of the Southwark Voluntary and Community Sector Report, this new report sets out the case for the potential of collaborative commissioning in clear, plain English and is designed to be practical, inclusive, and easy to understand for all partners.

Collaborative commissioning is about much more than joint working — it’s a fundamentally different mindset. Rather than viewing voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations as simply delivery partners or service providers, this approach treats them as equal strategic partners from the very beginning of the commissioning process. That means working together on identifying community needs, shaping service models, allocating funding, and evaluating impact — with power, insight and resources shared from the outset.

The report sets out how adopting a collaborative commissioning model can:

• Improve outcomes for communities, especially those historically marginalised or underserved
• Foster trust and transparency between statutory bodies and the VCSE sector
• Unleash innovation, by enabling grassroots organisations to co-design solutions that are responsive and rooted in lived experience
• Make better use of resources, by investing in approaches that are preventative, community-led, and cost-effective over the long term
• Create a more resilient system, where diverse partners are aligned around shared values and goals

Collaborative commissioning is not about inviting VCSE partners to comment on decisions already made — it’s about making those decisions together, from the start.

Drawing on examples from south east London and beyond, including mental health services, primary care pathways and community-based support, the report shows what’s possible when VCSE voices are brought in early and equitably. It also identifies common barriers to collaboration — such as rigid procurement processes or short-term funding cycles — and outlines practical ways to overcome them.

The report reflects the leadership of Anood Al-Samerai, CEO of Community Southwark and representative of the SEL VCSE Strategic Alliance, who brings a wealth of local knowledge and a strong voice from the Southwark VCSE community into our ongoing partnership.

As we look ahead to future commissioning plans and system-wide transformation, this report offers a timely and practical roadmap for how we can build a fairer, more inclusive approach — one that reflects the strengths of our communities and the importance of working together.

📘 Read the full report:
👉 The Value of Collaborative Commissioning (PDF)

Let’s move beyond transactional relationships. Let’s build a commissioning culture that is rooted in trust, shaped by community, and focused on what matters most: improving lives across south east London.

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