Better Commissioning Learning Improvement Network (BCLIN)

The Better Commissioning learning improvement network (LIN) is now hosted by the National Older People's Programme which is part of the Older People & Dementia branch of the Social Care, Local Government and Care Partnerships Directorate of the Department of Health.

Whilst officially no longer part of a recognised Commissioning Improvement Programme, the LIN and these web pages that support it are intended to help commissioners in the field transform services for the benefit of their local populations.

The Better Commissioning learning improvement network is a national network of commissioners across health and care services. The LIN is focused on commissioning for health and well-being across all care or patient groups and local populations with an emphasis on outcomes and whole system care pathways.

The LIN has provided a platform for:

• disseminating the monthly Better Commissioning - What's new? newsletter with information on the latest policy developments, relevant publications, tools and resources, commissioning frameworks and learning opportunities
• senior commissioners to learn from each other through exchange of information and good practice
• a Q&A facility for commissioners to post their requests for information to all other members of the network. Questions are circulated by e-mail*
• occasionally network meetings and events where senior commissioners across the country can access learning opportunities as well as develop their personal networks

Register for membership of the Better Commissioning Network

Registration is open to all senior commissioners across health and care in England. Registration is free.

Membership is segmented by;

• commissioners in statutory and third sector organisations with health and care responsibilities
• providers and independent consultants who are interested in commissioning. Independent sector members are welcome and may be charged a small fee to attend LIN events and learning opportunities.

Click here to register.

*Q&A facility for LIN members

Do you have a query about a commissioning challenge you need to find a solution to? We are happy to circulate your query. You'll receive responses by email directly from colleagues across the country. We ask you to collate useful responses and we'll follow up with you so that useful information and learning can be shared with other network members.

Send your query to janet.crampton@dh.gsi.gov.uk

We co-ordinate an electronic network of commissioners across the country, helping them keep in contact and learn from each other. The LIN is based on the principles set out in the Building capacity and partnerships in care agreement, and puts these into practice by:

• identifying and sharing examples of what works, in terms of good commissioning practices, at local level
• promoting the development of a whole systems approach to service and capacity planning in which independent sector providers are fully engaged as active participants
• supporting and helping the development of better local arrangements, including closer working with the independent sector to improve commissioning.
• the Better Commissioning LIN. Register now to receive news of conferences, resources and other activity.