A number of 'Tier One' residential and nursing, and home care providers were contacted directly to gather their views on relationship management as it was noted by providers that they were often absent from engagement sessions with ECC.

They reported the following:

• Generally more positive  relationships with ECC
• Positive experiences of working with the Contracts Team, less so Safeguarding and, whilst they acknowledged this had improved, they felt that at times the approach was too heavy handed and inconsistent;
• A greater self- reliance to tackle quality and recruitment issues;
• A desire to work more collaboratively;
• Concerns about pricing method and relationship between cost and quality;
• Social workers were often slow to respond and yearly reviews were not being done;
• A general lack of appreciation of the demands now being placed on providers e.g. 24/7 working; and 
• Some dissatisfaction with the help to live at home (Domiciliary) procurement work.

What they wanted most from ECC was:

• Promoting the care profession more strongly in Essex;
• Taking a stronger lead on the whole recruitment and retention agenda;
• As much clarity as possible about future direction;
• Being less risk averse and traditional in its approaches; and 
• A fairer and consistent pricing structure that recognised complex needs and acuity.