Annual Commissioning Reports

Our commissioning reports provide a linear analysis of how domestic abuse and violence against women and girls (VAWG) services are commissioned across England.

Drawing on Refuge’s pipeline of opportunities, the reports track trends in service design, funding, and procurement practices, offering insight into what is working well and where commissioning approaches risk undermining safe, specialist provision. They are intended to support commissioners, policymakers, and providers to strengthen commissioning practices and ensure that services are designed to meet the needs of victim/survivors.

Our 2024-25 Annual Commissioning Report

This latest report highlights a contraction in commissioning activity, alongside ongoing funding pressures and political uncertainty, including the impact of the general election and delays to budget setting. In parallel, it identifies increasingly complex commissioning practices that continue to create barriers to specialist and "by-and-for" organisations, while also highlighting positive developments such as longer-term contracts and more sustainable, quality-led approaches.

Download the report

Take a look at our past Annual Commissioning Reports: