Our Commissioning Policy

Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Music Hub

Our Commissioning Policy

The Hub Lead Organisation (HLO) will establish a robust and transparent commissioning process to secure and appoint partners and service providers to deliver high-quality music education and enrichment opportunities. The commissioning process will align with the Music Hub's strategic priorities, ensuring that all partners contribute meaningfully to achieving the core aims and objectives outlined in the Hub’s development plan.

1. Identification of Needs and Opportunities

The HLO will conduct a thorough needs assessment and stakeholder consultation to identify gaps and opportunities within the local music education landscape. This will include input from schools, community organisations, young people, parents, Arts Council England and the Department of Education to ensure that services meet the diverse needs of all participants.

2. Commissioning Framework

A clear commissioning framework will be developed to guide the selection and appointment of partners. The framework will include criteria for assessing service quality, financial sustainability, inclusivity, and alignment with the national plan for music education. Key components of this framework will include:

Quality Assurance: Ensuring all partners meet high standards of music education provision.

Value for Money: A competitive and transparent procurement process to ensure efficient use of resources.

Inclusive Access: Partners must demonstrate how they will promote equitable access to music education, particularly for underrepresented groups.

Sustainability: Services must demonstrate long-term viability and have clear impact measurement tools.

3. Open and Competitive Procurement Process

   - Wide Outreach: To ensure the commissioning process reaches a broad range of potential partners, the HLO will advertise calls for Expressions of Interest (EOI) These include local networks, national platforms, and specific outreach to underrepresented or emerging organisations.

   - Transparent Evaluation Criteria: The selection process will include clear, weighted criteria that ensure diversity of provision. This may include assessing partners on their capacity to innovate, their experience in serving specific communities, and their track record of delivering high-quality, inclusive music education.

   - Collaboration Encouraged: The procurement process will encourage collaboration between smaller organisations and larger providers, bringing alive partnerships that maximise resources and expertise while supporting local talent development.

- Services delivered by the consortium (including those of the HLO) will be treated in the same way as external partners and conform to the open and competitive process outlined. 

4. The Role of the Hub Board in Approving and Reviewing Policy

-The Hub Board plays a critical role in providing governance, strategic oversight, and accountability in the development, approval, and review of the commissioning policy. Their involvement ensures that the policy aligns with the overall objectives of the Hub and meets the needs of the communities it serves.

   - Annual Policy Review: The Board conducts an annual review of the commissioning policy to ensure it remains fit for purpose. This review will consider any changes in the local music education landscape, emerging best practices, and feedback from stakeholders.

   - Performance Monitoring:  As part of its oversight role, the Board regularly reviews the effectiveness of commissioned services, including those of the consortium partnership (which also includes the HLO). This includes ensuring the policy is being applied consistently, and that the appointed partners are delivering to the expected standards and outcomes.

 5. Partnership Development

In addition to commissioning, the HLO will proactively develop strategic partnerships with regional and national organisations to enhance the Hub’s offering. 

   - Specialist Providers: The commissioning framework will actively seek out specialist partners who bring unique skills, such as those working with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), early years music education, or music technology.

   - Cultural and Artistic Diversity: The Hub will aim to commission a broad range of partners that reflect the cultural diversity of the communities it serves. This includes commissioning partners who specialise in non-Western musical traditions, contemporary music genres, and cross-arts collaborations.

   - Local and Regional Providers: A balanced approach will be taken to commission both established local partners who understand the community’s needs and larger regional or national organisations that can bring additional capacity and innovative practice.

 - Strategic Partnerships for Core Functions: Strategic partners will be commissioned to support key long-term functions of the Hub, such as workforce development, research and evaluation, and partnerships with schools. These partners may include higher education institutions, music education charities, and other sector leaders who can support capacity building and sustainability.

This commissioning strategy ensures that all partners and services are secured through a fair, competitive, and transparent process, with rigorous oversight by the Music Hub Board to guarantee quality, impact, and sustainability.