Community Health Services Commissioning Research

The Department of Health and Social Care is conducting a research project to understand current commissioning practices in community health, with the aim to support best practice including on outcomes for patients and communities. As part of this research, the Department invites those involved in contracting and commissioning community health services within ICBs, local authorities and Places to complete a survey on their experiences in commissioning community health services.

Background The government is committed to transforming the national health system, with key priorities including shifting care from hospitals to homes and focusing on early detection and prevention. As part of this, there is also a focus on developing neighbourhood health services that delivers care closer to home, enhances access, and improves patient outcomes while ensuring the sustainability of integrated health and social care services.

Community Health Services will be central to these transformations, and smarter commissioning that follow patient needs and supports innovation as part of an integrated neighbourhood health service is paramount. About the survey Please access the survey and full details here: forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx The survey will close on 27 June 2025.

Alongside the survey, the Department of Health and Social Care would also like to invite participants to take part in an interview to further discuss their responses and experiences. Please email communityhealthservicesmailbox@dhsc.gov.uk to register your interest. ***This is not linked to a procurement**** For any queries on the project or survey, please contact communityhealthservicesmailbox@dhsc.gov.uk.