What commissioning means
Commissioning is how we plan, buy, and check services. It makes sure the right support is in place for children, young people, and families. It includes:
- understanding what support people need
- designing services
- choosing providers
- paying for services
- checking quality and outcomes
We follow a simple cycle:
- Analyse – understand need
- Plan – design the service
- Do – put services in place
- Review – check what works and improve it
Our focus for children and young people
We want every child to:
- be safe
- be healthy
- learn well
- have a strong sense of belonging
We work to give children the best start in life.
Our main priorities are:
- early help and prevention
- strong families
- good mental health
- better long-term outcomes
How we work
We work with:
- children and young people
- families and carers
- schools and health services
- voluntary and community groups
- service providers
We plan services together. This is called co‑production. It helps make sure services meet real needs.
We also work across systems. This brings together health, education, and care.
Together for Families
Together for Families leads services for children and young people in Cornwall. It brings together:
- children’s social care
- education
- early years
- youth services
- community health
These services work as one system. They use a whole‑family approach.
What we commission
We commission a wide range of support. This includes:
- early help and family support
- safeguarding services
- fostering and residential care
- special educational needs and disability (SEND) support
- health services for children and families
- youth services and community programmes
We also commission homes and placements for children who need care.
Our approach to service design
We use a clear framework to design services. This focuses on:
- co‑production
- quality and safety
- value for money
- strong outcomes
- early help
This helps us build services that work well and join up across systems.
Working with providers
We work with a wide range of providers. These include:
- private organisations
- charities and voluntary groups
- social enterprises
We:
- set clear service requirements
- select the best providers
- manage contracts
- check performance and quality
All services must be safe, effective, and meet agreed standards.
Quality and improvement
We check all commissioned services. We make sure they:
- meet need
- deliver good outcomes
- offer value for money
We use data, feedback, and research to improve services.
We also shape the market. This means working with providers to develop new services where needed.
Our aim
Our aim is simple.
We want children and young people in Cornwall to thrive.
We do this by:
- putting children at the centre
- working in partnership
- investing in early support
- making services better over time
Working with the Council
If you are a provider and want to work with us, you should register on our procurement website.
Once you register, you will:
- get alerts when new contracts are available
- see all tender documents in one place
These documents include:
- service specifications
- invitation to tender (ITT) details
- legal terms and conditions
After you register, you can also access:
- supplier guidance
- information from our supplier training events
We support our suppliers. You can find help and guidance in the supplier area of our website.
Providers’ Platform
If you have a contract with us for children and young people’s services, you will be given access to the Providers’ Platform.
This is an online space for our commissioned providers.
It includes:
- current and past opportunities
- news and updates
- policies and forms
- toolkits and guidance
- training and event booking
- quarterly provider forums
The platform gives you:
- one log-in
- one place to find everything you need
- information tailored to your role and service
Each service page also includes contact details if you need to get in touch.
If you do not have an account, you can sign up from the home page.