Collaborative Commissioning in Telford and Wrekin: Exploring Possibilities

This hybrid workshop and working lunch brings together VCSE organisations, commissioners, and partners across Telford & the Wrekin to explore the possibilities of collaborative commissioning and new ways of working together.

The session will share inspirational real‑world learning from experienced practitioners, offering insight into how commissioning can move beyond transactional models towards collaboration, trust, and shared outcomes.Alongside guest speakers, there will be space for questions, discussion, and networking.

The event will conclude with a facilitated workshop and working lunch, providing space for participants to connect with others and consider how the learning might be applied locally.

Event format
This is a primarily face‑to‑face event. Guest speakers will be joining virtually, and there will be an option for participants to attend online.
Please note that joining online may limit participation in the discussion and workshop session towards the end of the event. Recording avilable after the event (where possible)

Food and accessibility
The event will be a working lunch, with a light lunch provided for those attending in person.
Attendees will be asked to confirm any dietary requirements when registering.

Location
Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Trevithick House, Stafford Park 4, Telford, Shropshire, TF3 3BA.

Accessibility
The venue is wheelchair accessible with accessible parking available on site.
Please let us know of any access or dietary requirements when registering.

Funding and local learning

We’re pleased to share that this work has been made possible through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). The UKSPF funding is designed to support, develop, and strengthen the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector across the borough.
As part of this project, we will also be sharing the findings from the local research carried out around collaborative bids or to deliver projects/services. This work highlights opportunities to strengthen partnership working across Telford & Wrekin and will help inform how we continue to build a more sustainable and connected VCSE sector.

Info: · Opening remarks

· Objectives for the working lunch: bringing people together to share insights, explore new possibilities, and agree on next steps

Info: Summary of key findings from recent surveys and one-to-one conversations supported by a grant from UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Shropshire Community Foundation

· Emerging themes, challenges, and opportunities and Toolkit which will help with basic resources.

Exercise: (10 minutes)

5 minutes with 2 other people sitting next to you or in the breakout room

Do you agree with the findings of the survey and which is the most significant barrier for your organisation and what is the one thing we could do to help you collaborate and increase your impact on the people of Telford & the Wrekin more?

Info: · Brief overview of Plymouth’s vision and experiences

· How their approach could inform local commissioning

· Q&A session

Info: Central Question:

“Listening to Plymouth and Great Yarmouth’s experiences and our findings, what can we explore or trial in Telford and Wrekin?”

Discussion Structure:

· What? – Identify a specific commissioning area or theme to focus on

· Who? – Decide who should be involved (e.g. forming a small group or task and finish team)

· How? – Agree on approaches (new rules, cultural changes, co-writing a specification, leveraging system insights from development days)

Info: · Summarise agreed “what, who, how” from each table

· Assign responsibilities and outline next steps

Info: Recap of decisions and actions

· Participant feedback on the session

· Next steps: communication and follow-up

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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