Welcome to the Commissioning handbook

The Commissioning Handbook aims to share resources and link to content that helps you understand:

• what commissioning involves and the stages of the commissioning cycle;
• key areas in which those involved in aspects of commissioning need and want information; 
• the range of information work that is currently done to support commissioning;
• how to locate the best available evidence for commissioners including search terms and also examples of searches done & their impact.

It is a live, collaborative, work in progress, developed by information professionals across NHS England and led by Quality:MK.  For more information see About Us.

There is no need to log in to the wiki – simply access the handbook using either the main headings below or the more detailed contents list in the Sidebar box on the right.

Defining World Class Commissioning

The roles and information needs of those involved in commissioning

Leading the NHS: engaging with partners

The Commissioning Cycle

Benchmarking

Information resources to support commissioning

Searching for information for commissioning

Information services for commissioning

Legal information

Organisations that support commissioners

Professional development

Glossary