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Organisational redesign

Public services are facing a period of declining revenue. At the same time, public expectations of services are increasing, and there are major social and economic issues to be tackled.

Political and managerial leaders are considering how their councils operate and are making tough decisions about future priorities. Most councils are exploring how to preserve key frontline services by:

  • reducing unnecessary costs
  • delivering services differently, often in partnership with other local public services.

Many councils are therefore planning or implementing changes to their management structures to save costs, maximise productivity and improve customer service.

This resource provides guidance based on some of the latest thinking in organisational restructuring and design. It also offers practical, relevant case studies from a range of councils, all of which will help councils create structures that are:

  • fit for purpose
  • capable of delivering better services for less
  • successful and sustainable.

The resource is primarily aimed at senior managers and human resources (HR) leads responsible for planning and implementing organisational redesign. However, it also addresses issues for councillors.

We will add to this resource as new learning and good practice becomes available. If you would like to comment on these pages, or submit a case study, please contact:

Nigel Carruthers
Programme ManagerImprovement and Efficiency West Midlands logo
email: nigel.carruthers@local.gov.uk

The resource has been developed by Local Government Improvement and Development (formerly IDeA) in partnership with Local Government Employers and Improvement and Efficiency West Midlands on behalf of the regional improvement and efficiency partnerships (RIEPs), with support from the Institute for Employment Studies.

 

In this section

  • Key questions when developing your organisation Last updated 19 March 2010

    Organisational redesign is not an easy option. This section contains some questions to consider in planning and implementing an organisational development approach.

  • Key issues for councillors Last updated 14 July 2010

    ‘Restructuring’ may sound like a technical issue – of concern to council officers only. There is a temptation for councillors to accept the claims that organisational redesign will deliver major savings without any negative impacts on service delivery and that councillors need not be involved. Experience suggests otherwise.

  • What do I need to consider? Last updated 22 June 2010

    Organisations that are well designed are often better able to achieve their activities effectively and be responsive to their environment. Many organisations evolve over time and in response to transient circumstances. There is rarely any real consideration of whether this is the best way for the organisation to be structured.

  • How do I restructure successfully? Last updated 19 March 2010

    Many councils are considering organisational redesign as a means of reducing costs while still improving services. This section considers different types of redesign and what makes the process successful. It will help you consider the structure your organisation needs to meet your business objectives, and decide whether downsizing is the right thing for you.

  • How do I delayer successfully? Last updated 14 July 2010

    In recent years, many councils have reduced the numbers of layers within their organisational structures. This section considers how to design a more 'horizontal' structure.

  • Downsizing Last updated 14 July 2010

    When an organisation reduces its number of staff, it can be unsettling both for those who lose their jobs and those that remain in post. This section considers what it means to downsize, the reasons and impact of downsizing activity, and the forward planning and communications required to make it successful.

  • Organisational redesign and partnerships Last updated 14 July 2010

    As part of the organisational redesign process, councils and their partners are developing alternative ways of delivering better services, making efficiency savings and developing workforce skills.

  • Organisational redesign case studies and interviews Last updated 3 August 2010

    A series of case studies and video interviews focusing on the issue of organisational redesign and, in particular, reducing management costs.

  • Bibliography for human resources leads Last updated 19 March 2010

    A list of publications and web resources providing more detailed information on organisational redesign.

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