Planners and funders

Te Pou recognises the critical role planners and funders play in the mental health system.

Since 2006, Te Pou has been working with planners and funders on a range of professional development and training opportunities. These have included:

• funding training in Programme Logic, the People Centred Approach
• development of a web portal for planners and funders, focusing on orientation and specific role information (launched 8 July 2008)
• a four day seminar series in 2008 focused on professional development and leadership
• ongoing information utility training.

Te Pou has also assisted planners and funders with a range of work including:

• development of a Central Region Mental Health and Addiction Workforce Development Plan
• development of PRIMHD reports to assist planners and funders to use outcome information in a relevant way
• Let's get real - identifying regional and local approaches to implementation in DHB and NGO services.

What is planning and funding?

District health boards (DHBs) are responsible for the health of the populations within their regions. They are expected to take a population health focus, prevent disease, close the gaps in health inequalities, promote collaboration in the sector and ensure community voice and leadership.

Planning is an integral part of purchasing and providing healthcare services. The role of the DHB Planner is to analyse and understand the health needs of the population. This information is used in the development of the District Strategic Plan (DSP) and the District Annual Plan (DAP).

The DSP and DAP inform health service providers of the probable future purchasing direction of the DHB. Funding managers are responsible for ensuring effective relationships with providers of healthcare services purchased by the DHB, including the DHB hospital service agencies, non-government organisations (NGOs) and primary health organisations (PHOs).

Some larger DHBs have shared services with unique roles that focus on particular areas of mental health; planning, funding or monitoring. These roles may also include managing specific projects such as suicide prevention. Other DHBs have a single role that incorporates both planning and funding. Planners and funders plan, fund and monitor services that link with the national strategic direction and are reflective of the population needs in their local community.

Further information

For further information please contact Martin Molloy, project manager.

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Page last updated: 4 March 2010