What do we mean by asset-based commissioning?
Commissioning is how decisions are made about what support is available, how it is funded and how it is organised. In social care, it is often led by local authorities, and people in specific roles known as commissioners.
Asset-based commissioning is an approach to commissioning that starts by thinking about what really matters to people it is aiming to serve. Being ‘asset-based’ means that it builds on the assets that people, families and communities already have – such strengths, skills, relationships and resources.
Instead of focusing primarily on what issues need to be ‘fixed’, asset-based commissioning works to create the conditions under which people can live a good life.
Rather than simply asking, “What service should we buy?” asset-based commissioning starts with questions like:
- What matters to this person/people?
- What strengths already exist, and how could we build on them?
- What networks and relationships exist, and how could we strengthen them?
It involves working alongside people who draw on care and support, their families, community groups, providers and local partners to shape support together.
Why is asset-based commissioning important?
Traditional commissioning often starts with services and contracts, asking people to fit into existing systems. It tends to focus on what people struggle with or lack, rather than what matters to them and the strengths they already have.
This can lead to support that feels inflexible, fragmented and disconnected from people’s real lives.
Asset-based commissioning is important because it:
- Puts people and their lived experience at the centre of decisions
- Focuses on strengths, relationships and what matters to people
- Makes better use of community connections and local resources
- Supports independence, wellbeing and a sense of belonging
By focusing on outcomes that matter to people, asset-based commissioning helps create support that fits people’s lives – rather than expecting people to fit into predefined services.
How Think Local Act Personal is supporting asset-based commissioning?
We work nationally to support a shift towards more human, relational and asset-based commissioning.
We do this by:
- Championing lived experience, so people who draw on care and support are equal partners in shaping commissioning
- Supporting councils and partners to move away from service-led approaches towards person-centred and community-based ways of working
- Sharing learning, tools and examples of good practice from across the country
- Bringing together commissioners, providers, community organisations and people with lived experience to learn, reflect and innovate together
