module specification

SS7004 - Commissioning Youth and Community Services (2024/25)

Module specification Module approved to run in 2024/25
Module title Commissioning Youth and Community Services
Module level Masters (07)
Credit rating for module 20
School School of Social Sciences and Professions
Total study hours 200
 
165 hours Guided independent study
35 hours Scheduled learning & teaching activities
Assessment components
Type Weighting Qualifying mark Description
Coursework 100%   Critical reflection (3000 words)
Running in 2024/25

(Please note that module timeslots are subject to change)
Period Campus Day Time Module Leader
Spring semester North Monday Evening

Module summary

The module aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of:
1. Public service commissioning in a changing world;
2. Commissioning for social value and local economic development
3. Outputs, outcomes and evaluation in public procurement

The aim of the course is to develop a critical understanding of the role of commissioning in developing services that meet local needs and improve people’s lives.

Syllabus

• From grants to contracts: 30 years of commissioning
• Commissioning for social value
• Evidence-based commissioning: needs & outcomes
• Community involvement in commissioning (whose voices, whose needs?)
• Monitoring, measuring and evaluating impact
• Strategy and leadership
• Equality and human rights-based approaches

Learning Outcomes LO 1 - 4

Balance of independent study and scheduled teaching activity

The course material is studied through a combination of lectures, workshops and independent study. The lectures will introduce student to relevant theories, policies and debates, but there will be a strong focus throughout on commissioning in practice, using ‘real life’ examples to explore the challenges and opportunities for commissioners, providers and local communities. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own work and / or locality to gain a critical understanding of the links (if any) between theory, policy and practice. It is anticipated that students will have experience of different sectors and roles, eg as commissioners, service providers and or users. The workshops will enable them to explore key issues from these different perspectives, providing an opportunity for reflection and challenge.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course the students will be able to:
• Critically engage with the current debates about the role of commissioning and procurement (and the difference between the two). [LO1]
• Synthesize new knowledge concerning the challenges and opportunities offered by the Public Services (Social Value Act) 2012. [LO2]
• Develop an evidence-based approach to commissioning, drawing on a range of relevant sources including the views of service users and communities [LO3]
• Develop advanced professional capacity for working collaboratively across disciplines and professions to advance strategic approaches to commissioning.[LO4]

Bibliography

Reading lists are held in the University’s reading list repository at the following link:

https://londonmet.rl.talis.com/modules/SS7004.html