More than a provider: the voluntary sector, commissioning and stewardship for a diverse market in criminal justice

This article offers a critical commentary on the development of commissioning and procurement in criminal justice. We argue that if public services are to effectively meet the wide range of complex needs among offenders, then commissioners need to embrace a 'market stewardship' approach. This should take a whole-system view of the development of a diverse market, attending both to the diversity of providers (supply) and to the diversity of voices articulating needs and influencing service design (demand).