Frequently asked questions
What makes Valuing Care independent?
Valuing Care provides independent, commissioner-informed and evidence-led analysis grounded in robust financial modelling and market data.
We do not operate as a lobbying organisation and our role is not to advocate for either commissioners or providers. Instead, we focus on establishing a clear, objective evidence base that supports transparent and defensible decision-making.
Our independence strengthens governance and helps ensure that pricing decisions withstand internal and external scrutiny.
How does your approach support market sustainability?
Our methodology is designed to help commissioners target funding where it is genuinely required, rather than applying blanket uplifts that can unintentionally reinforce historic pricing anomalies.
By aligning fees more closely to the true cost of care, authorities can:
- Support viable providers
- Reduce the risk of market instability
- Improve financial stewardship
- Strengthen their market-shaping responsibilities
Will your work damage relationships with providers?
No — our approach is structured to support constructive, transparent engagement with the provider market.
Because our analysis is evidence-led and consistently applied, it helps move discussions away from subjective negotiation toward financially grounded conversations.
Many commissioners find that having an independent third party actually improves dialogue by providing clarity and removing perceived bias.
How do providers typically respond to your process?
Valuing Care is designed to reduce internal workload, not increase it.
We manage the operational elements of delivery, including:
- Provider communications
- Data collection
- Query management
- Financial analysis
- Reporting
Your team retains oversight while avoiding the administrative burden typically associated with these exercises.
How quickly can the service be implemented?
Timescales depend on scope, but most programmes are aligned to commissioning and budget cycles.
For example:
- Uplift programmes typically commence in the autumn
- Exception reviews are often undertaken in the spring
- Cost modelling can be delivered as a defined project
We work with commissioners to build realistic delivery plans that support governance processes.
Is your service suitable for both local authorities and ICBs?
Yes. Our methodology is adaptable across commissioning environments, including:
- Working Age Adults
- Older People
- Supported Living
- Residential care
- Section 117
- Continuing Health Care
Where expectations are clearly communicated, providers generally engage positively — particularly when they understand that the objective is to ensure fair and sustainable pricing.
Our team supports providers throughout data collection processes, answers technical queries and ensures submissions are interpreted accurately.
This reduces friction and helps maintain professional relationships.
How robust are your cost models?
Our models draw on a combination of:
- National datasets
- Local cost drivers
- Provider financial data
- Workforce assumptions
- Property and overhead considerations
All assumptions are transparent and can be shared to support governance requirements.
The result is a defensible financial framework rather than a “black box” calculation.
Can your methodology withstand audit or challenge?
Yes. Supporting governance is a central principle of our approach.
We produce clear documentation outlining:
- Cost assumptions
- Methodologies
- Decision frameworks
- Analytical outputs
This creates a strong audit trail and helps authorities demonstrate that pricing decisions are evidence-based and proportionate.
How resource-intensive is this for our internal team?
We recognise the governance and partnership considerations specific to NHS and local authority settings and tailor our approach accordingly.
Do you replace internal commissioning expertise?
No — we complement it.
Valuing Care provides specialist financial modelling and analytical capability that strengthens internal decision-making while allowing commissioners to retain full control over policy and final determinations.
Think of us as an extension of your commissioning function rather than a substitute for it.
How does your work help with financial control?
Our services help authorities move from reactive funding decisions to planned, evidence-led financial management.
Commissioners gain:
- Greater visibility of cost drivers
- Stronger pricing frameworks
- Early identification of financial risk
- More consistent decision-making
This supports both affordability and long-term sustainability.
What differentiates Valuing Care from traditional consultancies?
Valuing Care combines:
- Specialist cost modelling
- Purpose-built analytical tools
- Operational delivery capability
- Deep understanding of commissioning environments
We do not simply produce reports — we support implementation and provide repeatable frameworks that authorities can rely on year after year.
Can your services be embedded as an ongoing partnership?
Yes. Many authorities choose to embed Valuing Care within their annual commissioning cycle, creating a repeatable structure for:
- Rate reviews
- Uplift processes
- Exception management
- Market analysis
This supports continuity, reduces future procurement effort and strengthens long-term oversight.
How do you ensure data confidentiality?
We operate in line with strict data protection standards and information governance requirements.
All provider and commissioner data is handled securely and used solely for the purposes of analysis and reporting.
What outcomes should we expect?
While each authority is different, commissioners typically gain:
- Greater transparency in pricing
- Stronger governance
- Improved market insight
- More consistent decision-making
- Enhanced financial confidence
Ultimately, our goal is to help authorities pay the right price for care — supporting both sustainability and stewardship of public funds.