Evidence at the centre of commissioning

With national reforms under way, from the new Families First for Children Pathfinder guidance to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, it's a time of change, and that brings with it momentum. National policymakers, local leaders and practitioners are aligned on the need to do things better. There is a shared determination to transform the way services are commissioned, and ultimately, to improve outcomes for children.

We know how complex and difficult commissioning children's services can be. Local authority reorganisation is under way, and at the same time councils face mounting financial pressures. This makes it difficult to build services around what children and families need most. Local authorities value commissioning that is child-centred, reflects local circumstances, and listens to the voices of children and families. But doing that well under pressure is tough.