MH Alliance Planning and Commissioning Manager

The MH Alliance Planning and Commissioning Manager is a key role within Lewisham's All-Age Mental Health Alliance, supporting delivery of borough and system priorities across organisational boundaries. A work plan for the individual will be jointly developed and agreed by the Assistant Director for Adults Integrated Commissioning and Deputy Director for SLAM Lewisham and Addictions' Directorate. The postholder will operate as a hybrid programme and commissioning lead, providing dedicated capacity to drive delivery, support decision-making, and strengthen financial and operational grip across key areas of the mental health programme., The postholder will support delivery of the All-Age Mental Health Alliance programme, coordinating a complex portfolio aligned with South East London and Lewisham priorities set by Local Care Partnerships and the Integrated Care System.

They will contribute to reducing health and wellbeing inequalities across Lewisham through collaboration with Alliance partners while maintaining effective relationships between South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), South East London Integrated Care Board (SEL ICB), and partner organisations. Key responsibilities include responding to Responsible Commissioner requests relating to Section 117 aftercare, leading complex care commissioning and pathway development, and reducing reliance on high-cost placements.

The postholder will oversee mental health budgets, support cost containment, and address financial pressures. The role covers commissioning, procurement, contract management, and performance oversight, working with partners to develop and deliver effective services. The postholder will provide analytical insight and commissioning advice to senior leaders and partnership forums, ensuring decisions are informed by data, evidence, and financial considerations.

A key aspect of the role is reviewing and analysing SLaM data to support evidence-based decision-making and delivery of Alliance priorities. The postholder will also lead workstreams supporting integration, transformation, and development., Communications and Working Relationships South London and Maudsley (SLaM) Director and Deputy Director Community Lewisham Adult Integrated Commissioning Division SEL ICB staff particularly staff in the SEL ICB wide planning team, System Intelligence, Business Support and Governance, Engagement and Commissioners (Joint borough based, Community and Acute) Clinical and managerial team members Lewisham Directorate Local Voluntary and Community Groups Public Health Adult Social Care, Lewisham Council Clinical and Service Directors Medical Consultant Leads Finance colleagues Service Users and Carers Responsibilities The post holder will demonstrate a methodical and structured approach along with extensive project management skills and the ability to manage all aspects of the full project lifecycle: Leading on the development of papers for the All-Age Mental Health Alliance and provide planning and commissioning subject matter expertise to the All-age Mental Health Alliance Development and Delivery programme in conjunction with the Assistant Director of Adult Integrated Commissioning Adult Mental Health & Wellbeing Developing and overseeing clear delivery plans and timelines for core programmes of work, ensuring change happens as planned and driving forward meaningful co-design and co-production with service users, carers and communities as part of Mental Health Alliance development and delivery plan in line with the NHS 10 Year Plan.

Enable delivery within our Integrated Care Partnership and Integrated Care Systems, supporting development at neighbourhood, place and system level. Lead and coordinate delivery of priority workstreams within the Mental Health Alliance, ensuring alignment with system priorities, including development of agenda, papers and minutes as required To work effectively with colleagues in SLaM and the Lewisham Adult Integrated Commissioning