The current Quality & Commissioning Team represents the effective integration of:

• contract management functions
• the Deanery regulatory Quality team
• the LCMDE Commissioning team

Lessons learned from completing a comprehensive commissioning cycle with the first stage bundles identified the benefits of developing the commissioning function as an integrated dynamic interdependent range of functions. Support for this approach has enabled a smaller number of key roles to be established striving to deliver World Class Education Commissioning Competencies. This has enabled streamlining of processes, removal of duplication and reduction of costs, maximising resources directly available to improve educational programmes.

Team members now offer a wide ranging portfolio of expertise and experiences with an optimum balance of credible service commissioners working alongside existing colleagues to create an appetite for working closely with Lead Providers, Heads of Schools and Local Education and Training Boards (LETBs) to ensure that best practice in all aspects of commissioning continues to drive excellence and innovation in Medical and Dental education for London.

The team’s overarching aim can be captured as striving to provide ‘great educational commissioning’ which we describe as:

“Intimately understanding patient and clinical service needs and being accountable for meeting them with high quality sustainable value for money educational outcomes using most appropriate market making approaches to select best providers.”

This clear aim will continue to be the main influence for how the team will work together and with LETBs as they become defined and established.

Gillian Hooper

Director of Quality & Comissioning