• Implementation of existing policies
• Priorities for national policy
• Policy support for member organisations
• Collaboration
• National Voices
• Connect - LTCA's journal
• LTCA commissioning project
• Local Involvement Networks
• NHS Choices update
• NHS Direct joins forces with NHS Choices

LTCA commissioning project

In conjunction with Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation and Asthma UK, LTCA is collaborating on a project to support improved commissioning of services for people with long term conditions. A commissioning toolkit was launched by Diabetes UK, BHF and Asthma UK last year specifically for commissioners in England. LTCA now wishes to explore how it can support further improved commissioning at a local level and ensure that the work is relevant and accessible to voluntary organisations and patient and public involvement structures and organisation. The scoping proposal which specifies the work required ia available here.

If you wish to submit a bid for the work, please email markplatt@ltca.org.uk by Friday 22 August setting out how you would deliver this piece of work. Submissions should be accompanied by costings; LTCA anticipates spending around £10,000 on this piece of work, but will consider bids which exceed this amount. A previous piece of work you have completed should also be submitted with your application. The work is scheduled to commence by the beginning of October 2008 and be completed by the end of December 2008.

Bids will be assessed against the following criteria:

Essential

* Able to work to the timescale specified

* Comprehensive understanding of health and social care commissioning and the role of the voluntary sector

* Comprehensive understanding of patient and public involvement

* Research experience

* Experience of writing concise and accessible reports which capture complex issues

Desirable

* Experience of working with, or in, commissioning

* Understanding of the devolved health and social care policy context, including Patient and Public Involvement, in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

* Direct involvement in patient and public involvement.

LTCA particularly welcome applications from people engaged and involved in the commissioning process.

Please note that shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their bids on Thursday 4 September to a panel comprising representatives from the LTCA, Asthma UK, BHF and Diabetes UK.