Commissioning an ordinary life

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the role and ability of commissioners to implement policy and be transformational leaders. Design/methodology/approach The role and ability of commissioners to implement policy is reviewed against the Institute of Public Care’s Commissioning Cycle and experience of working with commissioners across the UK over the past 29 years. Findings Empowering commissioners to be transformational leaders and enabling them to secure good outcomes for people with learning disabilities will require broadening the responsibilities for creating an inclusive society past commissioners of health and social care. Originality/value The Transforming Care Programme and the failure to meet targets illustrate that policy implementation in the arena of learning disabilities is still a pertinent issue. This commentary adds to the discussion by highlighting the challenges commissioners face when trying to implement policy and the need to take the conversation about inclusive communities wider than health and social care.