Commissioning shapes the services and opportunities available to communities, yet it often operates under financial pressure and organisational complexity.

The East Sussex VCSE Commissioning Excellence Programme – co-created by the East Sussex VCSE Alliance and East Sussex County Council – explored a different approach, grounded in trust, transparency, and shared purpose.

Starting in 2023, the first phase of the programme brought together leaders and practitioners from the VCSE sector, East Sussex County Council, and NHS Sussex to learn, reflect, and work differently. Through open dialogue and shared learning, participants challenged assumptions, strengthened relationships, and tested more collaborative approaches to commissioning.

A summary report from the first phase has been produced to capture key learning, tools, and cultural shifts. While rooted in East Sussex, its insights are relevant to any system seeking more equitable, relationship-based commissioning.

A second phase is now being planned, with opportunities for wider partners to get involved. It will build on the learning and successes of the first, enabling partners to consolidate progress and improve outcomes for residents.

This site will share resources from the programme, including:

• Good practice materials 

• Case studies that showcase the innovative ways the programme has approached commissioning

• Established definitions of core principles  

For more information, contact Neil Blanchard, Chief Executive at Southdown and a member of the programme’s Steering Group: neil.blanchard@southdown.org.

Disclaimer statement:

All materials on the Commissioning Excellence Programme webpage are intended only as guidance and can be adapted to suit your needs.

We may update them from time to time, so we recommend checking this page regularly to make sure you’re using the latest version.

Thanks to all who have contributed to the Commissioning Excellence Programme, including members of the Programme’s Steering Group: Jennifer Twist (Chair of the East Sussex VCSE Alliance/ Care for the Carers), Steve Hare (Vice Chair of the East Sussex VCSE Alliance/ East Sussex Age UK), Neil Blanchard (Southdown), Samantha Williams and Lucy Layton (East Sussex County Council), and Richard Watson and Kay Muir (NHS Sussex).