JOB PROFILE

What Is a Commissioning Officer?

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You Will Learn.

  • What is a Commissioning Officer?
  • What are the responsibilities of a Commissioning Officer? 
  • What qualifications does a Commissioning Officer need?
  • What is the average salary of a Commissioning Officer?
  • Who employs a Commissioning Officer?
  • What skills does a Commissioning Officer need?
  • Where the latest Commissioning Officer jobs are and how to apply for them.
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What Is a Commissioning Officer?

A Commissioning Officer across Children's, Adult's, or Public Health services, is a professional responsible for strategically planning and procuring healthcare provisions. They collaborate with stakeholders, assess community needs, and design services that address health inequalities. 

In Children's services, they may commission child protection and educational support. For Adult's services, their role encompasses healthcare provision for adults and the elderly. In Public Health, they design initiatives promoting wellbeing.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Commissioning Officer?

A Commissioning Officer across Children's, Adult's, or Public Health services, shoulders the critical responsibility of strategically planning and procuring healthcare services. 

In Children's services, their duties extend to commissioning child protection, educational support, and early intervention programs. For Adult's services, they oversee the commissioning of healthcare provisions tailored to adults and the elderly, ensuring accessibility and quality care. 

In Public Health, their role involves designing and commissioning initiatives that promote overall wellbeing, prevention, and health promotion within communities. 


While working as a Commissioning Officer, you will be required to: 

  • Strategically plan and commission children's services, including child protection, educational support, and early intervention programs.
  • Oversee the commissioning of healthcare services for adults and the elderly within adult's services, emphasising accessibility and quality care.
  • Design and commission initiatives in public health to promote overall wellbeing, preventive measures, and health promotion.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to assess community needs and formulate responsive healthcare strategies.
  • Navigate budgetary considerations to ensure effective allocation of resources.
  • Engage with service providers to foster collaborative and person centred care.

Frequently Asked Questions

To become a Commissioning Officer in the UK, specialising in Children's, Adult's, or Public Health services, individuals typically need a relevant bachelor's degree in fields such as Public Health, Social Work, Health Management, or a related discipline. 

Many employers also prefer candidates with postgraduate qualifications, such as a Master's in Public Health (MPH) or a similar advanced degree. Additionally, practical experience in healthcare commissioning, project management, and an understanding of policy frameworks within the specific service area is advantageous. 

Professional certifications and memberships in relevant organisations may also enhance qualifications.

The salary of a Commissioning Officer within health and social care in the UK can vary depending on factors such as the organisation, location, level of responsibility, and years of experience. 

However, the average salary of this role is £38,260.

The majority of Commissioning Officer jobs are found within public sector organisations in the UK. National Health Service (NHS) bodies, local government authorities, and public health agencies are primary employers, offering diverse roles across Children's, Adult's, or Public Health services. 

Opportunities also abound within clinical commissioning groups, social services departments, and various public health entities at both national and local levels. Non profit organisations dedicated to health and wellbeing, as well as private sector healthcare consultancies, may also engage Commissioning Officers for their expertise in strategic planning and service procurement.

What Skills Does a Commissioning Officer Need?

A Commissioning Officer across Children's, Adult's, or Public Health services in the UK requires a diverse skill set to effectively navigate the complexities of healthcare planning and service procurement. 

Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills are essential for assessing community needs and formulating responsive healthcare strategies. Excellent communication skills are crucial for collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and community representatives. 

The ability to navigate budgetary considerations ensures effective resource allocation, while project management skills enable the successful implementation of commissioned services. An understanding of policy frameworks within the specific service area is vital for aligning strategies with regulatory guidelines. 

Furthermore, a Commissioning Officer should possess a nuanced understanding of public health principles and a commitment to addressing health inequalities within communities. 

Flexibility and adaptability are key attributes to respond to evolving healthcare landscapes.


Key skills of a Commissioning Officer include:

  • Ability to analyse complex data and assess community health needs.
  • Strategic thinking to formulate long term plans and initiatives for effective service delivery.
  • Clear and concise communication to convey complex healthcare strategies to diverse stakeholders.
  • Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with healthcare providers, policymakers, and community representatives.
  • Proficiency in navigating budget considerations and financial planning for efficient resource allocation.
  • Financial acumen to ensure cost effectiveness while maintaining service quality.

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