Job Description

Job info	Job info details
Job title	Strategic Commissioning Manager
Strategic team/Directorate	Adults
Service	Adults and Community Services
Business unit	Adult Social Care Commissioning Team
Responsible to (day to day issues)	Head of Strategic Commissioning
Accountable to (line manager)	Head of Strategic Commissioning
Salary grade	L
JE ref	ADC015

1. Key purpose of job

To commission Adult Social Care Services for Torbay in line with the commissioning cycle, which ensure capacity and quality of service supply within the given financial parameters of the commissioning budget; and where appropriate decommission services.
To manage, create, co-ordinate and deliver engagement plans to complement the commissioning cycle.
To leverage budgets and optimise commissioning arrangements through facilitating service redesign and co-commissioning with other Local Authorities (LA’s) and commissioning organisations, e.g., NHS Devon, as part of the Integrated Care System (ICS) for Devon.
To undertake a range of complex commissioning and procurement project work to enable services, available from independent and third sector providers, to continually transform and evolve to match:
- The needs of the service users (as identified by the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA).
- The priorities and resources of the commissioning authorities.
- Best practice, national and local policy.
To be responsible and lead on the agreed service specifications, which meet the needs established in the JSNA and articulated in commissioning strategies and drive transformation outcome–based approaches to the delivery of care (including metrics and measures).
To develop and draft contract frameworks that will ensure the delivery of services that meet those specifications at an agreed/usual cost, which represents Best Value for Torbay Council, NHS Devon and service users.
To be responsible for coordination and delivery the commissioning cycle involving procurement, finance, performance and quality assessment teams.
To collaborate with frontline teams, service users and their carers, and providers to collate and analyse data and information regarding demand and unmet needs, or potential alternative innovative service solutions, to inform commissioning strategies and service improvement.
With the knowledge of the market coordinate and complete the return of stocktakes, reports, grant returns, and performance data for example: Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS).
To represent and enhance the profile of the council with providers, peer organisations and the public.

2. Anticipated outcomes of post

To manage, lead and be responsible for the development, management and delivery of project work within a designated area of the market. This could be defined by service user group or service type (e.g., Mental Health, Learning Disability, Older People, Day Opportunities, Community Networks, Extra Care).
To be responsible for addressing contract compliance issues with service providers, including close monitoring of remedial action plans and talking enforcement actions, where providers are failing to meet contract requirements and specifications.
To chair meetings on provider performance and safeguarding.
To be responsible for day-to-day contract management of designated contracts with their associated budgets.
Production of joint and integrated commissioning arrangements with other LA’s and system partners both as associate and lead commissioning organisation.
Produce assurance for the Council as to consultation obligations being fulfilled and best practice considered.
To maintain effective working relationships with an allocated group of providers.
To be responsible for team member objectives that will be agreed and reviewed annually and set out in the ASC commissioning team’s priorities work plan.
Enable the Council to be compliant with key Adult Social Care legislation, such as the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, etc.
Enable the Council to meet its obligations in respect of personalisation and self-directed support.
Build an in-depth knowledge of the portfolio issues and client groups to inform the Head of Strategic Commissioning, Divisional Director Adult Social Care and Director of Adult and Community Services.
Further develop the profile of the Council and the commissioning function.

3. List key duties and accountabilities of the post

To support the Head of Strategic Commissioning by leading and developing a clear Commissioning Plan, which is in line with the priorities and resources of local commissioners and designed to improve and transform the services available to local people.
Deputise for the Divisional Director Adult Social Care and Head of Strategic Commissioning when required to do so.
To promote the delivery of high-quality services and the delivery of continual service improvement in all contacts with providers of care services.
Produce briefing notes, press releases and statements for communications colleagues, senior leadership team, councillors and MPs on issues relevant to the Adult Social Care portfolio.
To contribute to the development and agreement of the Annual Strategic Agreement (ASA) between the Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust (TSDFT) and Torbay Council.
Responsible for co-ordinating and running regular meetings with providers, which enable a forum for the communication of information, the promotion of continual service improvement and quality development initiatives.
To collaborate with providers to increase the range, choice and quality of services and develop an outcome-based approach to contracting and service delivery.
To build relationships within individual providers which deliver the vision for integrated health and care agreed between TSDFT and Torbay Council.
To take responsibility for and lead on specific programmes and projects and to prepare and deliver reports and presentations as appropriate to operational and management teams within TSDFT, NHS Devon, and Torbay Council.
To work at a strategic level with operational and strategic and professional leads, service managers and users/carers to ensure that good practice, (new) policies, protocols and service development plans are understood and implemented at a local level.
To promote the principle that the people who use our services, and their carers, should be at the centre of all we say and do in all contacts and interactions with providers, staff, people who use our services, carers, partner organisations and members of the public.
To lead and be accountable for the performance of all team members in relation to their work on the project and to be able to ensure delivery through influencing and supporting project team members and ensuring that the correct resources were deployed within the project.
To collaborate with the owners and managers of provider organisations to encourage them to adapt to changes in the market and adopt models of care and business solutions which are sustainable in the longer term.
To represent the council and TSDFT at local and regional meetings, forums and events in respect of adult social care commissioning, policy development, consultation and engagement / and resolving issues.
To communicate and receive complex and sensitive information to/from representatives of provider and partner organisations, and the public.
To be responsible in developing partnership approaches across the statutory, voluntary and independent sectors to ensure that services are developed and delivered in a way which is responsive to need, and places individuals at the centre of the care they require.
To be responsible for producing briefing papers and reports for the Divisional Director Adult Social Care and Director of Adult and Community Services, including those for presentation to Councillors at Cabinet, Council and Overview and Scrutiny Board.
To investigate and manage complaints appropriately, in accordance with the requirements of each agency.
To ensure that policies and procedures regarding Safeguarding Adults and Children are understood, adopted and applied by all providers who hold contracts for the delivery of services. This will include directing and leading whole home investigations and taking part in Safeguarding Serious Case Reviews were appropriate.
To undertake a proportion of each month to meet with frontline teams and service users to maintain knowledge and ‘feel’ for the market. Levels of both empathy and detachment will be required to ensure a balanced professional approach.
To operate within parameters agreed with the Head of Strategic Commissioning and Divisional Director Adult Social Care, to deliver the objectives of TSDFT, the council and the Adult Social Care Performance Board.
To deputise for the Divisional Director Adult Social Care in their absence but refer decisions to the Director of Adult and Community Services if required.
To make autonomous decisions within delegated authority to progress or conclude negotiations and quality/safeguarding actions.
To ensure that risk management policies and procedures are implemented, in the defined area in accordance with the requirements of each agency, and that risks are managed/mitigated locally or escalated to an appropriate level in the organisation.
To operate clinical governance and other quality assurance systems which are in place to ensure service user safety, service quality and continual service improvement.
To lead on research to inform transformation opportunities for development and improvement, to ensure integrated services provide for, meet, or exceed national standards for performance where possible.

4. Budgetary/Financial Responsibilities of the post

To manage and monitor a designated portfolio of contracts on behalf of Torbay Council, NHS Devon and TSDFT as appropriate, and within the agreed policy and processes for each organisation.

5. Supervision/Line Management Responsibilities of the post

To manage six Commissioning Officers and Commissioning Support Officers (split equally between each Strategic Commissioning Manager) and their portfolio. Responsibilities will include regular management and supervision of staff, preparation and discussion with them of their annual appraisals, as well as producing an evidence base for all performance management.
Manage project teams consisting of staff from both within and outside the council (particularly within the Integrated Care Organisation’s Market Management Team), other key stakeholders and providers.

6. Working environment and conditions of the post

The post holder will work predominantly within an office environment or from home but will be required to travel as part of their role.
Normal working environment conditions predominantly within an office or home environment but postholder will be required to travel across the Bay/South West as part of their role (for example visiting care homes and other health and care establishments).

7. Physical demands of the post

Normal physical demands.

8. Specific resources used by the post

Standard office equipment, laptop, mobile phone.

9. Key contacts and relationships

External:
- Torbay and South Devon (NHS) Foundation Trust, NHS Devon, Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Integrated Care System (ICS) for Devon, other local authorities, in particular Devon County Council, Plymouth City Council and councils in the South West region, Association of Directors of Adult Services (ADASS) South West, and South West Councils, Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), Care Quality Commission (CQC), Local Government Association (LGA), Torbay and Devon Safeguarding Adults Partnership, Learning Disability and Autism Partnership.
- Torbay and wider Devon voluntary sector organisations, including the local Healthwatch in Torbay, Devon and Plymouth (and Healthwatch England), Torbay Community Development Trust, Citizens Advice Torbay, Age UK Torbay, Rowcroft Hospice, Devon Link Up, Living Options Devon, etc.
- Contract service providers such as care homes, home care agencies, supported living settings, extra care housing, day services, outreach services, community equipment, advocacy services, etc.
- Service users, and their representatives including Torbay Learning Disability Partnership Board, Torbay Autism Partnership Board, Torbay Carers Service, and the additional Partnership Boards forthcoming for people with physical disabilities (Living Well), people experiencing dementia (Ageing Well) and people with enduring mental ill health (Recovery) etc.
Internal:
- Commercial Services (including procurement, contract management and commissioning), Financial Services, Human Resources, Governance Support; Information Governance; Legal Services, Public Health; Children’s Services; Housing Services; Planning Services, Policy, Performance & Community Engagement, Communications, Emergency Planning.
- Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, and other councillors as required.

10. Other duties

To undertake additional duties as required, commensurate with the level of the job.

Other Information

All staff must commit to Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discriminatory Practice.
The Council operates a Smoke-Free Policy, and the post-holder is prohibited from smoking in any of the Council's buildings (including Council owned and Council leased buildings, but excluding designated areas in residential schemes), enclosed spaces within the curtilage of buildings, and Council vehicles. The Council does not permit smoking breaks within work time, however, in services where the flexi-scheme is in operation, employees may take reasonable break times outside of core hours, in accordance with flexi-time arrangements. Employees should follow the flexi-scheme procedure for agreeing time away from their duties in the normal manner with their immediate colleagues and line manager, with break start and finish times being recorded, as with any other break-time arrangement.
The post-holder is expected to familiarise themselves with and adhere to all relevant Council Policies and Procedures.
The post-holder must comply with the Council’s Health and Safety requirements as outlined in the H&S policy appropriate to the role.
This post is office based at Tor Hill House, but the post holder may be required to move their base to any other location within the Council at a future date.
The post is eligible for hybrid working.
The post-holder must be committed to the Council’s Core Values for employees – “Torbay Council employees are committed to being forward thinking, people orientated and adaptable - always with integrity.” Evidence will be sought during the probation and appraisal processes.
If you are required to use your own vehicle on Council business or drive a council vehicle you will be asked to provide information on any driving endorsements by accessing gov.uk/view-driving-licence and providing a code to your Line Manager in order to share your driving licence information with the Council.
You will be asked to complete a Criminal Records Self Declaration Form. Criminal convictions will only be considered when they are relevant to the post. You will only be asked to disclose ‘unspent’ convictions.
The post holder is expected to work in a way that ensures vulnerable children and adults are safeguarded and report any safeguarding concerns in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Note for Candidate

All Candidates

The supporting statement on your application form will be used to assess ability to meet the essential requirements of the role, so you should explain how you meet each of the numbered essential requirements within your supporting statement. In a competitive situation, the desirable criteria may be taken into consideration, so you are encouraged to show how you also meet each of the desirable criteria.

Candidates who consider that they have a disability

Reasonable adjustments will be made to the job, job requirements or recruitment process for candidates with a disability.

If you consider yourself to have a disability you should indicate this on your application form, providing any information you would like us to take into account with regard to your disability in order to offer a fair selection interview.

Where ever possible and reasonable we will make adjustments and offer alternatives to help you through the application and selection process.

If you have indicated that you have a disability on your application form you will be guaranteed an interview if you clearly demonstrate in your supporting evidence how you broadly meet the essential requirements of the role.

Job info	Job info details
Job Title	Strategic Commissioning Manager
Strategic team/Directorate	Adults
Service	Adults and Community Services
Business unit	Adult Social Care Commissioning Team

Skills and effectiveness

Essential skills and effectiveness

Ability to negotiate and influence internal colleagues, other public and private sector organisations and key partners to secure improved outcomes.
The ability to manage complex projects taking full accountabilities for all aspects of delivery, owning the projects and ensuring that all stakeholders are fully engaged.
Ability to plan, organise and manage resources effectively and efficiently.
Ability to assimilate, understand, analyse, interpret and communicate complex information and data to inform creative decision making.
The ability to provide a role model and leadership to others, with the skills to plan, co-ordinate and facilitate the work of others.
Ability to make decisions that may have significant implications for others and confidently provide the rationale for them.
Confident and competent when under external and internal security.
Proven critical thinking skills and the ability to identify causes and determine a range of informed, innovative and imaginative solutions.
The ability to manage conflicting deadlines and identify and manage change.
Ability to work to, and be motivated by deadlines involving complex problems, frequency changing circumstances and conflicting priorities.
Excellent communication and presentation skills and competent use of PowerPoint.
Numerate with analytical skills to evaluate data.
Preparing and presenting data to senior officers as well as presenting policy documents and business cases at team or business unit level.
Ability to use standard MS Office applications and a willingness to acquire new ICT skills.

Desirable skills and effectiveness

Proven experience of working within and delivering excellent outcomes within a social care or health setting, ideally within a commissioning function.

Knowledge

Essential knowledge

A theoretical understanding and comprehension of the commissioning cycle and relevant practical experience of how this is then applied in real world scenarios.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of the current policy agenda regarding the delivery of integrated care and its complexity.
An understanding of the application and impact of eligibility criteria in health and social care services.
Specialist knowledge of the current trends and issues affecting the commissioning and delivery of social care services.
Detailed knowledge of current requirements and of the developing agenda regarding the commissioning of care services.
Knowledge, understanding and commitment to delivering excellence in customer care.
Knowledge and understanding of key health and social care legislation.
Knowledge and awareness of Safeguarding legislation and policy guidance.
Working knowledge of techniques for planning, monitoring controlling and delivering programmes and projects.

Desirable knowledge

Understanding of the democratic process within public services.

Experience and achievements

Essential experience and achievements

1.Experience of developing, creating, managing and monitoring contract frameworks and specifications.
Experience of presenting and facilitating groups.
Experience of contributing as a collaborator and managing individuals and teams.
Experience of responding to changing priorities and competing deadlines.
Experience of managing contract compliance processes, such as contract monitoring meetings.
Experience of negotiating service level agreements and monitoring performance/making changes to ensure value for money.
A proven record in the management of projects across organisational boundaries.
Experience of outcome-based models for contracting and care delivery.
Experience of operational management, ideally in health and social care, including supervision and training.
Experience of co-production/and consultation with service users, carers and other key stakeholders in the design and delivery of outcome-focused services that meet their needs and aspirations.
Experience of developing medium-term plans at team or business unit level.
Budget management experience and demonstrable skills in achieving financial balance.

Desirable experience and achievements

Experience of use of social media for publicity, engagement of the public, and service improvement.

Qualifications/professional memberships

Essential qualifications/professional memberships

Educated to Degree level standard (including HND, professional/enhance skill qualification) or equivalent or demonstrable work-related experience in appropriate areas.
Evidence of continuing professional and personal development.

Desirable qualifications/professional memberships

Commissioning qualification.
Management qualification, such as the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) or equivalent.
PRINCE2 or equivalent.
Contract Management qualification.

Other requirements

Other requirements of the job role

Demonstrates a commitment to safeguard and promote the welfare of adults, children and young people.
Ability to travel efficiently around the Bay/South West to perform duties.
Ability to accommodate occasional homeworking.