Wakefield Council was awarded in March 2009 Beacon status for its work in commissioning services for citizens.

The Commissioning and Contracting Service in works in partnership with managers across Family Services to modernise existing services or develop new ones.  

The panel's initial feedback recognised the strengths of the Council's work with partners, including engaging with local communities, leadership and the work we are doing to shape services to align with the priorities of the district. 

Below are some of the projects the Commissioning and Contracting Service have been involved in:

• Extra Care Housing for Older People
  Two new build, “state of the art” Extra Care Schemes were commissioned and built during 2006/7, and opened in September 2007.
• Services for Carers - Carers Emergency Card Scheme
  A new Carers Emergency Card scheme has been established with over 400 carers registered so far and work underway to identify unknown carers.
• Affordable Warmth - Hotspots Scheme
  The Hotspots scheme which provides vulnerable people with a review of their benefit eligibility, a fire safety check by the Fire Service and a home energy assessment.
• Assistive Technology and Telecare
  A range of innovative assistive technology and telecare solutions, which are designed to promote independence and choice, have been installed in people’s homes.
• Winter Cold Detector Scheme
  In partnership with Wakefield and District Housing, we are supporting people to live independently and safely through the winter months by installing life alarms and telecare sensors that are monitored by the CareLink service.
• Technology Supporting Adult Safeguarding
  Working has been undertaken with the Crime Reduction Unit and Wakefield and District Housing to contribute to reducing crime and the fear of crime by supporting people who have been victims of distraction burglaries and bogus callers.

• Lunch Clubs in Schools – Intergenerational Project
  Lunch Clubs have been developed in local schools across the district, providing opportunities for older and younger people to meet and share experiences.