The Successful Commissioning guide is useful for all commissioners, procurement officers and managers, and grants officers who work in local authorities and local health organisations, including in primary care trusts. Third sector organisations will find the tool useful in thinking about their involvement in delivering public services.

The guide clearly sets out the main issues for effective financial relationships with third sector organisations; makes use of existing guidance in an accessible and practical way, and; dispels some of the ‘myths’ that exist around commissioning with the third sector.