Definition or reference in Statutory Guidance
CASSG Annex J (Glossary)
The people or organisations that arrange the care and support that is available in an area to meet the needs of the population.
Definition
CQC Glossary of terms used in the guidance for providers and managers
A person or organisation that buys services on behalf of the people living in the area that the commissioner covers. This may be for a population as a whole, or for individuals who need specific care, treatment and support.
Definition
NICE Guideline NG86 - People's experience in adult social care services: improving the experience of care and support for people using adult social care services
A person or organisation that plans the services that are needed by the people who live in the area the organisation covers, and ensures that services are available. Sometimes the commissioner will pay for services, but not always. The local council is the commissioner for adult social care. NHS care is commissioned separately by local clinical commissioning groups. In many areas, health and social care commissioners work together to make sure that the right services are in place for the local population. (NG86)
Definition
NICE Guideline NG189 - Safeguarding adults in care homes
Local authorities, clinical commissioning groups and other public sector commissioners who oversee contracts for care and support services provided by care homes that pay for care home residents who are eligible for public funding. The term 'commissioner' does not apply to individuals who pay privately for their care.
Plain English definition
Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) Jargon Buster
A person or organisation that plans the services that are needed by the people who live in the area the organisation covers, and ensures that services are available. Sometimes the commissioner will pay for services, but not always. Your local council is the commissioner for adult social care. NHS care is commissioned separately by local clinical commissioning groups. In many areas health and social care commissioners' work together to make sure that the right services are in place for the local population.
Discussion
Source: TEC stakeholders
Confusion around the terms commissioner, buyer, service user, customer (as used in the TEC sector) can arise because (eg) a local authority is a buyer in some transactions, a commissioner in others, and a provider in still others.
Need to establish a terminology that clearly identifies roles within the TEC sector:
- Commissioner of services (eg LA)
- Buyer of services (eg a residential home)
- Equipment supplier
- Telecomms provider
- Service provider - assessment
- Service provider - installation and maintenance
- Service provider - monitoring
- Service provider - response