Commissioning Excellence in East Sussex: strengthening trust, transparency and partnership

Commissioning plays a crucial role in shaping the services, support and opportunities available to people and communities. Yet too often it takes place in challenging conditions defined by financial pressure, organisational complexity and a legacy of transactional relationships. Even where there is strong intent, these realities can make genuine collaboration difficult to achieve.

Co-created and hosted by the East Sussex VCSE Alliance and East Sussex County Council, this programme set out to take a different approach. Running from 2023 to 2025, it brought together leaders, commissioners, and practitioners from the VCSE sector, the council, and NHS Sussex, with oversight from a multi-agency Steering Group.

Through a series of in‑person workshops and shared learning spaces, participants tested a different way of working: one rooted in trust, transparency and shared purpose.

What emerged was more than a programme of activity. It became a space for open conversation, honest reflection and collective problem‑solving. The concept of ‘transparent bravery’, an approach based on candour, vulnerability and shared responsibility, became central to the experience. Relationships deepened, assumptions were challenged, and practical frameworks for better commissioning were co‑designed and tested.

Sharing learning

To capture and share this work, a VCSE Commissioning Excellence Summary Report has been produced. It captures the learnings, the tools developed and cultural shifts that took place. While grounded in East Sussex, its insights offer value to any place seeking more equitable, relational and trusting commissioning partnerships.

The programme has shown that cultural change is possible, even in difficult circumstances, and that this work provides a foundation for continued learning, partnership and innovation across the commissioning system.

Next steps

• Colleagues from across the NHS, local authorities and the VCSE sector are encouraged to explore the report and consider how the learning could be applied in day-to-day commissioning practice and partnership working.

A second phase is now being planned, with opportunities for wider partners to get involved. For information, contact Neil Blanchard, CEO at Southdown and  member of the East Sussex VCSE Commissioning Excellence Programme Steering Group:  neil.blanchard@southdown.org.    

An online version of the report is also available here: Commissioning Excellence Summary. 

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Further information

Sincere thanks to all who contributed to the programme and report, including members of the 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).