Feature: Commissioning: Our services, our say

"Giving children and young people a voice is so important because it is the only way we will do what is best for them," says Robert Maragh, head of integrated commissioning at Newham Council and Newham Primary Care Trust.

During the four years he has been in post, things have changed for the young people of Newham. "We started off asking looked-after children where the gaps were in services for children and young people. It was clear there were things we did not have in place," reveals Maragh.

In a drive to achieve better outcomes for children, the government wants to see services being shaped by children and young people. The idea is that if professionals ask children and young people what is really needed, they will be able to plan and shape services around their needs and thus deliver better outcomes. To improve practice in this area, the government's Commissioning Support Programme will start in the autumn (see box, bottom right). Newham, says the Department for Children, Schools and Families, is already excelling in this area.