Services we offer to our independent sector clients
The Independent Sector has a long history of providing mental health services, with a very large percentage of all mental health beds (CAMHS, Adult and Older People's) being provided by the Independent Sector. However, there are now many new challenges and opportunities facing the independent sector.
In particular this includes:
• Growing commercialisation and competition from NHS and Foundation Trusts
• Modernisation of mental health services, particularly development of crisis and home treatment services
• Potential over supply, with some sectors reaching market saturation
• Development of smart procurement and intelligent commissioning arrangements, within an increasingly segmented and customer led market, leading to both greater opportunities and threats
• Practice based commissioning and the development of more primary care focused psychological therapies
• Expansion of an increasingly business-like ‘3rd Sector’ and social entrepreneurs
• Increased pressure on NHS budgets
Each of these challenges alone represents an important change in the way that mental health services will be delivered and procured in the future. Taken together, they can be seen as significant opportunities or major threats to organisations' futures.
We have significant expertise in helping Independent Sector organisations, whether charitable, not for profit or commercial entities, meet these challenges head on, including:
• Conducting market assessments, within diverse market segments, regions and care groups
• Brokering meetings, facilitation of introductions to commissioners
• Supporting tenders and bids for contracts
• Fitness for purpose review of current marketing arrangements
• Development of marketing strategies
• Securing partnerships for further development
