Support and Advice for those commissioning and delivering homes for children in care

Meet Marie

I’m an independent consultant, trainer and associate specialising in children’s social care commissioning. For over 25 years I’ve had the privilege of working alongside local authorities, providers, regional partnerships and national organisations, giving me the opportunity to observe first-hand how commissioning models evolve, succeed and sometimes fail. Working with commissioners, providers, sector leaders and care experienced individuals, I continue to learn and refine my understanding of what makes collaborative commissioning work in practice. I’m particularly interested in creating the culture and conditions that support effective collaboration – building trust, developing proportionate contracting arrangements, encouraging meaningful engagement and putting governance in place that helps partnerships thrive and which places children at the centre. I enjoy bringing people together, sharing learning and supporting organisations to develop practical, viable approaches that improve outcomes for children and young people.

I’ve been fortunate to contribute to a number of national and regional initiatives, including:

• Member of a commissioned national research team evaluating the sustainability and effectiveness of commissioning consortia.
• Chaired routine national and regional partnership meetings, bringing together commissioners and providers to share information and solve shared challenges.
• Led a successful joint commissioner and provider review of the National Fostering Model Contract.
• Over 25 years’ experience working with children’s homes, engaging with staff and children, and providing feedback, advice and support to improve care.
• 13+ years maintaining a rare longitudinal overview of foster care commissioning and contracting arrangements across the UK.
• Contributor to national policy and guidance, including the Care Planning and Placement Regulations & Sufficiency Guidance