Commissioning Opportunity - Fixed Term (up to 12 months)

We are seeking an experienced commissioner to join us for up to 12 months to help deliver key strategic priorities.

You will report to the Strategic Commissioning Manager for Children and Young People and would welcome applicants who have experience in the following areas:

* Children's Social Care
* Education / SEND
* Adult Social Care

Your focus area will be aligned to your existing expertise and strengths, allowing you to make an immediate and meaningful impact.
You will need to demonstrate:

* Strong experience of commissioning in complex systems
* The ability to effectively manage competing priorities.
* A clear focus on delivering outcomes and tangible impact.

Working arrangements:

Remote working is supported; however, there will be occasions where a presence in Gateshead is beneficial to support collaboration and delivery. There is an expectation that candidates will be required to be on site, Civic Centre after the 1st of September 2026 for 2 days a week.

Children and SEND / Education Strategic Finance plan delivery

Support the Strategic Commissioning Manger in the delivery of the Local Authorities long term finance plan. Working through our sufficiency requirements in relation to Gateshead priorities

Sufficiency Strategy

Key actions to be implemented in the delivery of sufficiency. market engagement and commissioning intentions

Independent Schools contracts

With the Lead Commissioner for SEND / Education understanding the scope of the independent sector in relation to special school contracts. In addition, reviewing our due diligence checks relation to provider expectations.

SEND Priorities

Currently in development but will lead on the joint commissioning arrangements as part of the LARP (Local Area Reform Plan), e.g. Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy

Alternative education provision

With the Lead Commissioner for SEND / Education reviewing our Alternative Education provision in terms of contracts and due diligence checks

Working Age Adults Volunteering Commissioning Review

With Service Director, Commissioning, Performance and Service Development
Adult Social Care, Communities and Culture - Review of model and wider intentions

Older Adults Fee setting/cost of care

Support to the Strategic Commissioning Lead, supporting the Fee setting process across ASC for 26-27, engaging with providers and other key stakeholders and working with Corporate Finance on budget setting.

New home care contract

Support to the Strategic Commissioning Lead, to fully implement the transition from Time & Task to Outcomes.
Focus work with ASC and providers to ensure systems, processes and monitoring is robust to manage and monitor risks.

All Age Autism strategy partnership facilitation and delivery plan development

Reporting to the Service Director, working with priority leads and sub-groups to develop the delivery plan and drive activity to address the priorities identified in the Autism Strategy

Self-directed support, ISF's and direct payments

Reporting to the Strategic Commissioning Manager, working with operational leads and finance colleagues to take forward the improvement plan in relation to the uptake of direct payments, development of the PA market and development and implementation of ISF's.