See the practice, not only the process
A commissioning system can look orderly on paper while relationships, information, incentives, decision rights and capacity pull in different directions. The health check creates a usable picture of those conditions.
We normally combine:
- A short anonymous questionnaire.
- Review of a small number of relevant documents and data.
- Structured and confidential conversations with people in different roles.
- A facilitated session with the leadership team.
- A concise account of strengths, constraints, risks and possible next moves.
What it is for
The health check is useful when commissioning has become too procurement-led, teams are fragmented, a new director needs a rapid picture, financial pressure is forcing choices, or partners are struggling to act together.
It is not an inspection, benchmark or maturity score. It is a grounded diagnostic and a senior conversation about what the system is producing and what can sensibly change.
Natural follow-on
The output can stand alone. Where useful, it can also lead into a bounded commissioning reset, an in-house academy, action learning for leaders or practical support on one priority pathway.