Get ready for uncertainty: A guide to navigating the post General Election landscape
The election of a new Government may well bring about seismic changes to Government policy. Providers need to be prepared for a very intense eighteen-month period of commissioning that will define the size and scale of their operational delivery for the next three to five years. Planning to navigate through the complexity of future national and local commissioning should be a process that starts now.
Policy Challenges
Economic inactivity: The end of the Work & Health Programme means there is no mainstream national provision in place to support disabled claimant for the first time in twenty-five years
Market capacity: The size and scale of the market has shrunk since the 2015 Comprehensive Spending Review which cut employability expenditure by 80%
Mandatory versus voluntary provision: Developing a strategy that maximises programme engagement and retention especially for economically inactive claimants
Commissioning capacity: Strengthening the capacity and knowledge of public sector commissioners to procure new programmes
Implications for the Employability Sector
We envisage the next twelve months will be a very busy and turbulent period as a new government grapple with implementing their polices. Providers need to be proactive and ready to meet the evolving market needs of commissioners at a national and local level. We would recommend the following:
Business strategy: Reviewing existing business models so that they reflect the core competencies of DWP and Devolved commissioners . For example, cohort specific delivery models, robust quality and compliance systems, service integration, social value proposition, supply chain development and a strong performance track record
Building internal capacity: Opportunities will be procured at a national and local level requiring more resources at each stage of the business development cycle. We recommend providers ramp up their business development capacity during the pre-procurement phase. Key elements include developing a geographically targeted business development strategy, data and business intelligence gathering and forecasting resources to bid for multiple opportunities over the next eighteen months
Stakeholder management & engagement: Programmes like Individual Personalised Support Primary Care (IPSPC) are being procured by commissioners that employability providers have not traditionally engaged (Integrated Care Boards). Understanding commissioning priorities and engaging them before a procurement starts will be crucial. Stakeholder mapping and planning are key to unlocking commissioner priorities. This will enable providers to develop a compelling proposal that reflects strategic priorities
For people interested in a more in-depth look at the issues highlighted above, you can read our unabridged thoughts here.
We’ll also be posting more Blogs that provide practical advice and insight that will help providers navigate through the future landscape.
We welcome your feedback and thoughts. Please feel free to get in touch.
David MacDougall
Managing Consultant
david@50-degrees.com