Informing future commissioning strategy for older people's care

In the summer of 2025 we were successful in a bid to a local Innovation Fund to deliver a Big Conversation in partnership with Bromley Council and the Integrated Care Board.

The focus of the project was on provision in the community and the aim was to help inform future commissioning strategy and plans to ensure that Bromley is a place where all older people can thrive, particularly those that have the funds to pay for their own care and support, or a direct payment from the council.

The Council and South East London Integrated Care System (ICS) share a vision for older residents in Bromley to live fulfilled, healthy, and independent lives—ageing well, maintaining choice and control, and remaining connected to their communities.

Scope of the Big Conversation

The Big Conversation took place between  August and October, with the aim of hearing people’s views on what is working well, and what kinds of support people need, now and in the future, to live a good life at home and in their community. It had a number of stages which included:

• Defining the vision for the project so everyone was on the same page
• Understanding the challenges facing people and the health and care system in Bromley
• Engaging with key stakeholders through conversations and surveys
• Developing a Reference Group to guide the work

The Big Conversation activity

Through in-person meetings and surveys 504 people’s voices were heard. These included retired and older people who attend day centres or other community groups in Bromley.  Those with long-term health conditions, physical disabilities, learning disabilities and or autism, sensory impairments, as well as people who considered themselves to be well and active, took part.  Paid workers, including social workers and people who work in health care also contributed.

We purposefully drew out insights from men who responded to the survey to understand their perspective and provide insights to commissioners on any differences. We also drew out insights from people who work in health and care to understand if there are barriers and opportunities to using what is available in the community.

The results for Bromley

The Big Conversation set out an inclusive approach to capture the experiences of people. Through the process we were able to:

• Get a picture of community activities in Bromley
• Understand what activities people attend and how they experience them
• Provide Bromley Council with a report of the findings, including the challenges and opportunities to plan for next steps in the development of their commissioning strategy. We also produced a short video animation that summarised the findings of the report.

Want to hold a Big Conversation?

If you’re interested to have a Big Conversation to help you inform strategy or planning across any area of health and social care, we’re happy to help.