Planning and Commissioning

The Strategic Planning and Performance Group of the Department of Health arranges or ‘commissions’ a full range of health and social care services for the population of Northern Ireland.

The five Local Commissioning Groups (LCGs) are responsible for ensuring that the health and social care needs of local populations across Northern Ireland are addressed.

We also commission services from voluntary and community organisations. This feeds directly into local economies and is responsive to local demands. We are also exploring opportunities to secure provision from social enterprises, and to encourage and build social capital through community development opportunities.

These approaches are underpinned by effective stakeholder engagement and ensuring that service users, carers and the public influence the planning, commissioning and delivery of health and social care services in ways that are meaningful to them.