The Scottish Government and COSLA, along with other National Partners, believe that it is through the strategic commissioning process that the required shift in the balance of care will be achieved. The Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill establishes that integration authorities will be required to produce a strategic (commissioning) plan which sets out how they will plan and deliver services for their area over the medium term (3 years). Guidance will set out that strategic plans will also be expected for the longer term (10 years). Further, the role of clinicians and care professionals, along with the full involvement of the third and independent sectors, service users and carers, will be embedded as a mandatory feature of the commissioning and planning process. Read More