National News
New Chair of the Chief Executives' Taskforce
The new Chair of the Chief Executives’ Task Force, the body that provides strategic direction to the nine Regional Centres of Excellence, is Rob Sykes, the Chief Executive of Worcestershire County Council.
Mr Sykes takes up the helm of the Task Force following the appointment of Tim Byles, the former Chair, as the Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools. Read More...New chair of CEXTF (PDF, 2 pages, 23KB)
Publication of AES Backward Looks
Local authorities in England have delivered a further £1.2 billion worth of efficiency gains in 2005/06, on top of the £700 million they achieved in 2004/05, figures published by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) show.
Tim Byles, Chair of the Chief Executives Task Force said of these results "This is further evidence that local government is leading the public sector in its drive to meet its efficiency targets. Local government must be congratulated on its success but with the pressure to make even greater efficiency gains set to rise, local authorities cannot take their foot off the pedal. All authorities without exception must actively explore options for shared services, greater collaboration, process re-engineering and smarter procurement"
To see DCLG's press release of these figures click here
To download the spreadsheet of backward look gains click here
DCLG Efficiency News
The latest newsletter is available for download here Efficiency News Issue 9 (PDF, 32 pages, 404KB)
CATALYST
The first edition of CATALYST, a new national news publication from the Regional Centres of Excellence is now available for download here: CATALYST - September (PDF, 4 pages, 40KB)
The National Procurement Strategy for Local Government- Two Years on
DCLG have produced this report to take stock of progress in the second year of the NPS (2005). It is underpinned by results of the evaluation of the Local Government Procurement Agenda, undertaken by INLOGOV at the University of Birmingham. The report also provides an update on current developments on policies, initiatives and programmes that have a particularly close relationship with the NPS. You can download this document here: NPS Two Year On (PDF, 56 pages, 386KB)
Sustainable Solutions: Procurement and Disposal Roadshows
OGCbuying.solutions and the MOD’s Disposal Services Agency (DSA), in conjunction with the Regional Centres of Excellence and SOPO, will be running a series of road shows across the UK to raise awareness of sustainable procurement issues and provide information and examples of good practice This programme, which has been specifically developed for the public sector, is being run across the UK at nine different locations. More: Sustainable Solutions: Procurement and Disposal (PDF, 1 page, 26KB) Sustainable Solutions: Procurement and Disposal (PDF, 1 page, 26KB)
Tim Byles to step down as chair of Chief Executives Task Force
Tim Byles will be stepping down as the chair of the Chief Executives Task Force following the announcement that he has been appointed as the new Chief Executive of Partnerships for Schools. Tim, who is also the Chief Executive of Norfolk County Council, has been the chair of the Task Force since its inception in 2004 and an announcement about the future chairing arrangements will be made in due course.
For further details please visit the Partnerships for Schools website
Green light for plans to unlock millions in council efficiencies
Councils are set to benefit from plans agreed by the Regional Centres of Excellence (RCEs) designed to unlock millions of pounds in local government efficiencies. All nine regional directors have given their backing to the principles behind the national procurement programme which is set to transform local government procurement and make major efficiencies in the billions spent each year by the sector on goods and services.
NPP Read More (PDF, 3 pages, 25KB)
Web initiative transforms supplier and contract data sharing
A new web portal, the first of its kind, is transforming the way councils share information on suppliers and contracts across the Yorkshire and the Humber region and is giving businesses instant access to a wealth of contract data. Already, ten of the 22 councils in the region are using the Supplier and Contracts Management System (SCMS) while the remaining councils are due to join in October. The initiative is being promoted by the Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Centre of Excellence. SCMS Read More (PDF, 2 pages, 23KB)
DCLG Efficiency News
The latest edition of the newsletter is available to download Efficiency News Issue 8 (PDF, 34 pages, 411KB)
Shared services conference
Angela Smith MP, Parliamentary under Secretary of State, DCLG and Lord Sandy Bruce-Lockhart OBE, Chairman of the LGA, will be the keynote speakers at the Shared Services in Local Government conference on 21 September in Central London. Other speakers include Tony Wiltshire, Regional Director, Yorkshire and the Humber RCE and Sue Reid, Head of the Modernisation and Efficiency Division, DCLG. The conference, promoted by the DCLG and supported by the RCEs, will look at emerging examples of best practice and at specific guidance for local authorities and their partners. Delegates will have the opportunity to consider the different types of shared services and explore how they can be designed to respond flexibly to diverse needs. A series of regional workshops are also being organised for local authorities to examine in detail the DCLG toolkit, Service Transformation Though Partnership. Look out for details soon.
Shared Services Conference Brochure (PDF, 4 pages, 306KB)
Business process architecture
The local authority led business process architecture initiative has produced a comprehensive set of processes to help council executives gain a better understanding of their own organisations. This tool should help link strategic plans to priority service and process improvements, as well as assisting in identifying opportunities for greater collaborative working and shared service provision.
More......
Project Nomad Wireless Briefing July 2006 (PDF, 8 pages, 204KB)
A briefing to discuss: Wireless Infrastructure – Choosing the Right Business Model; Wireless Technology Choices; Preparing for Mobility – Mobile Application Characteristics; Future of the Forum – Nomad Wireless Needs You!
28 July 2006
DCLG Efficiency News
The latest edition of the newsletter is available to download - Efficiency News Issue 7 (PDF, 32 pages, 439KB)
21 June 2006
A groundbreaking partnership between six inner London local authorities is set to revolutionise the way Londoners pay for their parking. Read More The Partnerships in Parking initiative, led by Westminster City Council and funded by the London Regional Centre of Excellence, sees the councils pooling their resources to trial the next generation of parking pay and display machines. It signals the end of the road for one of London's most disliked icons – the parking meter.New project set to transform parking in Central London
Defra Road Show Follow Up Report
Defra have published a follow-up report on the Winter Road Shows "Efficiency and Transformation in Environmental Services".
DEFRA Road Shows Follow Up Report (PDF, 16 pages, 154KB)
4th July 2006
The role of the third sector in local service delivery was enhanced as Local Government Minister Phil Woolas outlined measures to strengthen the sector's relationship with local government, and explore new and growth areas for the sector The package includes the development of regional and local networks between the two sectors. The North East Regional Centre of Excellence will be appointed as lead centre on Third Sector issues working with the IDeA and 4Ps to develop a national programme of capacity building work to improve commissioning and procurement practices. More 22nd June 2006
Fire and Rescue Service revised AES guidance is now available and is live on the DCLG website
The revised guidance includes the launch of the ESD-toolkit forum for Fire and Rescue (moderated by the SW CoE) and a number of references to the individual Centre's websites for further information.
June 2006
Local authorities in England are on course to deliver a further £1.3 billion worth of efficiency gains in 2006/07, according to figures published by DCLG. Read More Tim Byles, National Procurement Champion and Chair of the Chief Executives' Task Force, welcomed the figures but warned against complacency, saying, "The results demonstrate local government's ability to deliver real efficiencies, but this upward curve must be maintained in the longer term. Greater collaboration, shared services, smarter procurement and process re-engineering amongst others must be fully embraced by local government if it is to build on these successes." The 2006/07 Forward Look Statements have been published in full on the DCLG website June 2006Local Government well placed to deliver a further £1.3billion of efficiency gains
Project Nomad Newsletter
Current plans and progress from Project Nomad, the national project dedicated to mobile working in local authorities. Project Nomad Newsletter June 2006 (PDF, 5 pages, 386KB)
Also read Nomad Wireless Briefing June 2006 (PDF, 6 pages, 170KB)
15th June 2006
Local Government Taskforce launches landmark frameworking report
"Framework agreements are not an easy option. They will not solve endemic problems. But they do offer significant efficiencies for those local authorities and contractors prepared to undergo cultural change and embrace the principles of partnering and collaboration" These were the words of Roger Latham, Chair of the Local Government Taskforce, citing the findings of a landmark frameworking report launched today. The report, 'Transforming Local Government Construction: The Power of Framework Agreements', also challenged those smaller firms who continue to believe that framework agreements are the remit of larger contractors and suppliers to the detriment of SMEs.
The Report was launched at the Efficiency Conference 2006, which was hosted by the Local Government Taskforce, and brought together local and and central government representatives in the fight for greater efficiency. Read More (PDF, 3 pages, 47KB)
A copy of the report can be downloaded here: Transforming local government construction (PDF, 98 pages, 4183KB)
9th May 2006
London insurance company set for go-ahead
A green light has been given for the creation of a first-ever London local government insurance company, a move which could have far-reaching implications for local government insurance.
The London Regional Centre of Excellence (LRCE) has approved funding of £115,000 to set up the guaranteed insurance mutual which will be owned by participating authorities. It will be open to all 32 London boroughs, the Corporation of London and the Greater London Authority. Read More (PDF, 23KB)
April 2006
Pioneering e-auctions slash costs of goods and services
Figures compiled by the Regional Centres of Excellence reveal that e-auctions can dramatically cut the cost of council goods and services, by an average of one quarter and by much more in some cases.
Results from the first wave of the national programme of e-auctions show that they delivered an average saving of 27% - the difference between the baseline cost and the final bid tendered in the auction.
The nine e-auctions held in 2005/06 generated savings of £12,886,000 from an outlay of £137,000 to set up and run, a gain of £94 on every £1 spent. Management of the e-auctions was made possible by funding from the National E-Procurement Project. e-Auctions News Release Apr06 (PDF, 25KB)
April 2006
Permanent Secretary visit crowns successful away day
The Permanent Secretary of the ODPM, Peter Housden, joined the chief executives and regional directors' away day to outline the challenges facing local government and to hear at first hand about the work of the Regional Centres of Excellence.
Wednesday’s away day marked the first time the chief executives, regional directors and senior civil servants had come together to examine important areas of RCE work, to celebrate achievements and to start planning for the future of the programme.
Part of the day was reserved for a facilitated session on the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 as part of the ODPM’s current consultation programme.
The chief executives also agreed the first phase of the implementation of the national Commodities, Goods and Services action plan. A programme manager will be recruited to carry out a detailed analysis of the work already carried out by the regions to generate a national picture and to avoid duplication of effort and resources. A progress report will go to the June meeting of the Chief Executives’ Task Force.
30th March 2006
ODPM Publish 2005-2006 Mid Year Updates
Link to Efficiency 2005-2006 Mid Year Updates
As part of the local government efficiency agenda, all upper tier local authorities in England (i.e. County, Unitary, Metropolitan and London Borough councils) except those rated "Excellent" under CPA are required to submit a Mid-Year Update statement. Excellent and any district council may choose to submit a Mid-Year Update voluntarily.
The Mid Year Updates were published on the ODPM website on the 29th December 2005 - Mid Year Update Press Notice (pdf, 24kb)
Download Spreadsheet of 2005_2006 Mid Year Update Data (xls, 147kb)
3rd January 2006
Regional Centres Regional Directors Group Welcome New Chair
David Wright, Director of the North East Centre, will be the new Chair of the monthly Director's Meetings, taking over from Steve Holland.
Read the full Press Release November 2005 (pdf, 38kb)
November 2005
Local Authority Survey on Municipal Waste Management
OGC would like to thank all local authorities who took part in this survey to get a better understanding of the procurement of municipal waste management services and current and future demand for projects or contracts.
Thank You Note to Local Authorities (pdf, 18kb)
October 2005
ODPM Publish Efficiency Mid Year Report Update Guidance
ODPM have published their guidance for completing the Mid Year Report - 2005/6 Mid Year Report Update Guidance (pdf, 116kb)
The 2005/6 Mid Year Update is due to be submitted to ODPM by the 17th November 2005 from all single tier and county councils, except those that have been rated "Excellent" under CPA. ODPM are encouraging all other local authorities to provide a return too, but this is entirely voluntary.
Returns should be submitted through the esd toolkit www.esd-toolkit.org
For all Measurement Toolkits including the new Defra Environmental Services Efficiency Toolkit please click here
30th September 2005
ODPM Publish Annual Efficiency Statements - 2004/05 Backward Look
Link to Annual Efficiency Statements - Backward Look 2004/05
The Backward Look is for authorities to set out the amount of efficiency gains actually achieved in this financial year. 2004/05 was the first year for which local authorities have been asked to report on the efficiency gains they have achieved. Councils were not required to submit statements and no targets were set for them to meet. However, the gains that local authorities have reported for 2004/05 will contribute towards the achievement of efficiency targets in future years.
August 2005
Minister Phil Woolas Welcomes Exemplar Project Initiative
The Minister for Local Government, Phil Woolas MP, has welcomed an initiative by the RCE's to identify and promote good practice taking place in local authorities to support the achievement of efficiency targets. The first case study is on the Birmingham Construction Partnership, Click here for more details
July 2005
ODPM Publish Forward Look Annual Efficiency Statements (AES)
Published here are the 2005/6 Forward Look Statements submitted by local authorities along with a spreadsheet that sets out the efficiency gains expected in each sector by each local authority. The documents and figures published are unedited by ODPM and results are not subject to review or endorsement by ODPM.
The statements set out an action plan and an expectation of the level of efficiency gains to be attained; they are not a record of achievement. The efficiency gains made in 2004/5 are not included in these figures, but will be added to the gains made in 2005/6 to produce a cumulative total; it is this total that the 2.5% efficiency target will be judged against. Consequently the analysis in the spreadsheet only presents a partial picture of efficiency performance against the 2005/6 target.
Download Adur to Blaby (pdf, 397kb), Blackburn to Bromsgrove (pdf, 388kb), Broxtowe to Cheshire (pdf, 384kb), Chester to Cumbria (doc, 309kb), Dacorum to East Hants (pdf, 355kb), East Herts to Forest of Dean (pdf, 368kb), Fylde to Havant (pdf, 353kb), Herefordshire to Lancs (pdf, 349kb), Lancaster to London Hackney (pdf, 395kb), London Hammersmith to London Westminster (pdf, 422kb), Luton to Newcastle under Lyme (pdf, 358kb), Newcastle upon Tyne to Northants (doc, 256kb), Northumberland to Redditch (pdf, 386kb), Reigate to Scarborough (pdf, 399kb), S Lakeland to Stockport (pdf, 420kb), Sedgefield to S Kesteven (pdf, 422kb), Stockton to Tewkesbury (doc, 287kb), Thanet to Waveney (doc, 412kb), Waverley to Woking (doc, 297kb) Wokingham to York (doc, 293kb)
Download a compilation of forecasted gains for each authority 2005-06 Forward Look Spreadsheet (pdf, 254kb)
If you encounter problems downloading any of these documents please go to Contact Us
June 2005
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