Who should take action?

• Local authority, NHS and other local commissioners

Actions

• All contracts should include requirements for regular monitoring or evaluation (see recommendations planning systems for monitoring and evaluation and implementing monitoring and evaluation in this pathway). Commissioners should ensure some flexibility in contracts to allow programmes or services to be adapted and improved, based on early or ongoing monitoring. Any changes should be clearly documented and carefully monitored.​

• Clear processes should be put in place for learning and evaluation, especially for new approaches.​

• Commissioners should ensure service specifications and contracts encourage local partnership working and reduce unnecessary duplication and overlap, particularly for local services provided by the voluntary and community sector (for example, by specifying a joint rather than separate approach for physical activity and food and nutrition initiatives).