Social services are often commissioned through short-term transactional contracts and competitive tenders that are costly to run.
We are working with industry and government to pioneer new ways of commissioning social services to promote long-term partnerships, sustained impact, and better outcomes for participants.
Associated Project
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Relational Contracts
An alternative approach to commissioning public services, particularly in complex areas like employment and disability services.
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In conversation: Formal Relational Contracting video series
What is formal relational contracting? What happens when public services move beyond compliance and begin to centre trust, relationships, and shared outcomes? Can contracting models better support innovation, frontline discretion, and more human-centred forms of care?
Associated Publications
Considine, M., & Bonyhady, B. (2025). Collaborative Commissioning and Formal Relational Contracting: What’s the difference and what are the likely benefits?. University of Melbourne.
Considine, M. (2024). Formal Relational Contracts and the Commissioning of Complex Public Services. The University of Melbourne. Report.