Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Scottish Government: operating framework

Commissioning

39. The commissioning process aim is to provide a consistent, co-ordinated and transparent approach to HIS’ and SG’s handling of new and/or amended work. The process is underpinned by the following principles:-

a. Either party may propose that HIS undertakes new or amended programmes of work in response to changes in policy direction and/or quality issues which have been identified.

b. Commissioning proposals should be developed jointly between HIS and SG, taking into account respective data, intelligence and experience, and appropriately utilising the range of HIS functions to enable and deliver improvement. This may include HIS engagement with service providers to fully understand the issues involved.

c. HIS and SG will work together to ensure that the SG Sponsor Function has oversight of HIS commissions across all policy areas and is able to provide support and advice as needed.

d. Commissions should include the strategic line of sight/priorities, purpose/background, the undertaking itself, including any financials as appropriate and timeline, and progress reporting of the work.

e. Commissions need to include a mutually agreed business case and a formal commission letter where applicable, in order to progress to HIS’ work plan.

f. Where funding is required for the delivery of commissions and mutually agreed between HIS and SG, this will be set out in a formal funding allocation letter.