Decommissioning wiki

Definition of decommissioning with useful links. Looking for examples of good practice.

Decommissioning is an area we are looking for people to share examples of good practice.

See definition and useful links on NAVCA's briefing on decommissioning.
Definitions of decommissioning vary but the majority describe it as involving:

• a change in the provision of a service

This may mean stopping a service or a significant part of it. It can also include terminating or re-negotiating a contract or grant with an existing service provider, where this is driven by commissioning needs, including reduced budgets.

• an improvement to existing service provision

Existing provision may end to:

• make space for a new and improved service;
• enable innovation in service provision;
• provide better value for money, perhaps through more effective achievement of the desired outcomes or more efficient delivery; or
• better fit the level of provision to demand.

The National Audit Office uses the following definition:

‘Decommissioning is stopping provision of a service or a significant part of a service in order to bring about an improvement to existing service provision.’

The NAO has produced guidance to provide practical advice on how to plan for and manage the decommissioning of public services delivered by civil society organisations (CSOs) and maintain value for money while doing so. It is designed for commissioners at a local level e.g. in local government and local health services but its messages are relevant to all commissioners and will be of interest to CSOs and other stakeholders. You can find the NAO's guidance here.