At a Glance…
Between October 2024 and January 2025, Peopletoo carried out a health-check review of the London Borough of Waltham Forest’s (LBWF) commissioning arrangements across Adult Social Care and Children’s Services (including SEND).
The health-check review included the identification of savings, recommendations to strengthen the current commissioning arrangements, and options for future integrated arrangements with health.
Following the health-check review, Peopletoo were separately commissioned to undertake a proof-of-concept pilot project to lead Adult Social Care provider negotiations with five prioritised supported living providers, and to negotiate block contracts with residential providers which delivered an ROI of 3:1.
The Challenge
Waltham Forest identified a lack of capacity and commissioning capability to support with the pace of change and transformation needed to thoroughly review its finances, overall maturity and integrated commissioning options and sought an independent review.
The Council was experiencing increased demand and above inflation increases in package and placement costs, with most Adult Social Care placements being spot purchased, and a concern about a lack of commissioning grip and market management.
Our Approach & Delivery
A review was undertaken across Adult Social Care and Children’s Services (including SEND) analysing high value contracts, third party spend and identifying potential savings. Peopletoo engaged a range of staff and stakeholders including surveys and workshops.
Following the health-check, Peopletoo were separately commissioned to undertake a proof-of-concept pilot project to lead Adult Social Care provider negotiations with five prioritised supported living providers, and to negotiate block contracts with residential providers.
Outcomes Achieved
Across both Adults and Children’s combined, the health-check review identified overall target savings of £2,395k and a stretch target of £6,657k, as well as recommendations to strengthen the current commissioning arrangements.
The proof-of-concept pilot delivered five block contracts with residential providers, securing placements at rates below the current market average. The supported living negotiations led to cashable savings across a number of providers. The proof-of-concept pilot delivered a 3:1 ROI and provided rich market intelligence to inform future strategic commissioning of the residential/nursing and supported living markets.
