Whole of system commissioning
Challenge - how we map the system reform as it evolves through each cycle and use this perspective to strengthen the interconnection of each commissioning cycle over 10 years.
- Over time commissioning processes will shift from a focus on funding streams to commissioning systems.
- Systems include services that are delivered by government and by the sector. Systems may be governed through legislation or other frameworks, and systems can present as barriers to people that need to access support.
- It can be difficult to conceptualise whole systems, prioritise resources within and between sub-systems and understand the intersectional factors that impact on outcomes of systems.
- When we explore design, invest, and deliver options through initial commissioning processes, we identify the interconnected influences and impacts of the system on people.
- This changes our focus. For example, we shift from provision of housing services to how the system can provide better outcomes for a person with mental health or alcohol and drug dependence who also needs housing.
Our action
– To continue to engage on the broader policy questions that underpin the service system
– To monitor and map the commissioning cycles to create a strategic view of the system undergoing reform.
– To move towards commissioning sections of the human services system rather than just individual programs or services.
Contributes to reform outcome(s)
– Improve equity in health and life outcomes for priority population groups, through commissioning decisions made about where and how to focus support.
Not tackling complexity
Challenge – how we continually find and address the complex challenges beyond single funding streams to transform the system to be more interconnected over the next 10 years.
- If commissioning is limited to review of existing funding streams this will lead to some improvements across the system but will not lead to transformational change.
- We will miss the opportunity to genuinely address intersectionality and enable the right service(s) to be provided to the right person at the right time, place, and intensity.
- It is important that while we progress current commissioning cycles, we do not lose sight of transformational opportunities that connect services into a whole system.
- We look at the complexity, acknowledge and work through impacts to service funding where impacts are reshaping the sector landscape.
- As commissioning matures, we should start to see interconnected opportunities where we can use commissioning to address long held challenges between where one service finishes and another begins.
Our action(s)
– Identify and commence more commissioning opportunities where services or programs can connect
Contributes to reform outcome(s)
– Improve integration across the service systems to support seamless and holistic care, and transitions between services.
Shifting the human services system to prevention and early support
Challenge – managing the shift of the human services system to more prevention and early support
- We identified as a driver for change that we need a human services system that provides more prevention opportunities and offers more early interventions and supports.
- Operating a human services system without adequate prevention or early interventions and supports can escalate demand for crisis services as the initial or acute need/s compound and can become more complex.
- Identifying and validating community needs and trends is a critical element of the commissioning cycle which recalibrates where the effort, service or support is required within the system.
- Yet shifting to early support can redirect investment and organisational focus into new areas of delivery which can be disruptive to the sector or service continuity.
- Realising the benefits of early support as a reduction in crisis service demand may take time. To ensure outcomes for vulnerable people are continuously improving the human service system will need to continue service provision across the spectrum of need from acute to crisis until the benefits of early support are more fully realised within the community.
- Noting too, that key parts of our human services system will always need crisis services and other support services such as primary care, respite care, palliative care, or residential care.
Our action
– Monitor the service provision mix across the spectrum of acute to crisis support and the impact of changes to this mix.
Contributes to reform outcome(s)
– Reduce the pressure on our hospitals and other crisis services such as homelessness or statutory services for children, young people, and families, by prioritising prevention and early support.
Page updated: 28 Feb 2024
