Strategic Commissioner (Learning Disabilities and Autism)

LinsCare; Slough; On-site; GBP 92,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

LinsCare is supporting Slough Borough Council by recruiting an Interim Strategic Commissioner – Learning Disability and Autism to join the Adult Social Care Strategic Commissioning team in Slough, Berkshire. This senior role requires expertise in LD, autism and neurodivergence to lead strategic priorities and drive service transformation.

You will translate strategic priorities into commissioning activity, develop all-age strategies, oversee procurement and market shaping, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Extensive experience of strategic commissioning within Adult Social Care.
• Senior-level commissioning experience in Learning Disabilities/Autism/Neurodivergence.
• Knowledge of needs of people with Learning Disabilities and Autism.
• Understanding of Adult Social Care legislation and policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead action plans from LD/Autism strategies.
• Develop all-age Learning Disability Strategy.
• Develop all-age Neurodivergence Strategy.
• Oversee commissioning reviews across services.
• Lead commissioning and tendering activity (Advocacy, Breaks for Carers, Day Opportunities, Shared Lives).
• Ensure commissioning activities reflect current legislation and best practice.

Skills

Strategic commissioning

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Analytical skills

Tools

Procurement processes

Job description

Interim Strategic Commissioner – Learning Disability and Autism

Location: Slough, Berkshire

Rate: £500 per day

Contract: Interim / Contract

Department: Adult Social Care – Strategic Commissioning

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Interim Strategic Commissioner – Learning Disability and Autism to join the Adult Social Care Strategic Commissioning team in Slough.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior commissioning professional with specialist expertise in Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence to lead key strategic priorities and support the continued transformation of services for local residents.

You will lead the delivery of action plans associated with the Council's current Learning Disability and Autism strategies, while supporting the further development of the Learning Disability Strategy into an all-age approach and leading work to develop a new all-age Neurodivergence Strategy.

The successful candidate will play a key role in translating strategic priorities into effective commissioning activity, ensuring services are person-centred, outcomes-focused, sustainable and responsive to the needs of residents, families and carers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation and delivery of action plans arising from the Council's Learning Disability and Autism strategies.
• Support the development of an all-age Learning Disability Strategy.
• Lead the development of a new all-age Neurodivergence Strategy.
• Undertake strategic commissioning reviews across a range of services.
• Lead and oversee commissioning and tendering activity, including:
  • Advocacy Services
  • Breaks for Carers / Residential Respite Provision
  • Day Opportunities
  • Shared Lives
• Develop and implement effective commissioning and market-shaping approaches.
• Work collaboratively with people with lived experience, families, carers, providers, health partners and other key stakeholders.
• Ensure commissioning activity reflects current legislation, national policy and best practice.
• Identify opportunities for service transformation, innovation and improved outcomes.
• Develop clear business cases, commissioning intentions and implementation plans.
• Provide specialist advice and strategic leadership on Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodivergence commissioning.
• Monitor delivery, outcomes, quality and value for money across commissioning programmes.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external partners to ensure a coordinated approach to service development.

About You

• Extensive experience of strategic commissioning within Adult Social Care.
• Proven senior-level commissioning experience specifically relating to Learning Disabilities, Autism and/or Neurodivergence.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of the needs and experiences of people with Learning Disabilities and Autism.
• A strong understanding of relevant Adult Social Care legislation, policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven experience of leading commissioning reviews, service redesign and procurement/tendering exercises.
• Experience of developing and implementing commissioning strategies and action plans.
• The ability to develop strategic approaches across all-age pathways.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong analytical, project management and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to work effectively with people with lived experience and their families and carers.
• Experience of working collaboratively across health, social care, providers and voluntary/community sector organisations.
• A collaborative, innovative and outcomes-focused approach.
• The ability to translate strategic vision and policy into practical, measurable improvements for local residents.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to take on a high-profile interim commissioning role and make a tangible difference to the lives of people with Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence across Slough.

You will have the opportunity to shape major commissioning programmes, influence future service provision and help deliver a more integrated, person-centred and sustainable model of support.

Day Rate: £500 per day

Location: Slough, Berkshire

Contract: Interim

Mandatory: Must have UK Passport or Full Right to Work in the UK

For more information, contact Natasha Haddon