“More potential CSS staff should be encouraged to attend future workshops”

According to the NHS Commissioning Board in its Commissioning Support Key Facts Commissioning Support Services have the following roles:

“Local and national CSS are being designed to offer an efficient, locally-sensitive and customer-focused service to CCGs. CCGs are likely to need support in carrying out both the transformational commissioning functions, like leading change and service redesign, and the more transactional commissioning functions, such as procurement, contract negotiation and monitoring, information analysis, and risk stratification.”

The aim of today’s event was to identify how Commissioning Support Services can create efficient, locally-sensitive and customer-focused services by using commercial skills and understanding.

The objectives of the day were that by the end of the workshop, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the importance of being able to market their services.
• Confidently identify their service features and formulate them into impressive customer benefits.
• Use commercial skills that can help them to sell their services.

Comments from delegates include (all reproduced with kind written permission):

“A very good overview of our needs and requirements in ‘the new world'” – Phillip Godfrey, Contracts Manager, NHS Leeds
I really enjoyed the interactiveness and am really glad there was no role playing.” – Nicola Wright, Data Quality Facilitator, NHS Kirklees
“Delivered in the engaging and well timed manner of a high level theatre show. Really enjoyed and informed.” – Richard Kennedy, PPI Coordinator, NHS Kirklees
“More potential CSS staff should be encouraged to attend future workshops” – Victoria Ajayi, Contracts Manager, NHS Leeds
“Just very good – thank you!” – Jeanette Miller, Senior Engagement Manager
“Very relaxed and inclusive workshop.” – Ian Wilkinson, Safety and Security Manager, NHS Calderdale

The key documents from the day are:

The Chartered Institute of Marketing: The real NHS: the benefits of a marketing approach
Presentation Slides: Presentation PDF
Handouts: Questionnaires – Service and Self Assessments

Many thanks to everyone for participating in such a positive day.