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Shared services and collaboration

In 2009, local authorities face greater challenges in meeting the needs of their communities. The economic conditions will place tremendous burdens on residents and businesses, who will depend on effective public services more than ever.

Local authorities have local area agreement (LAA) and efficiency targets to meet, as well as responding to the new performance framework and the challenges of comprehensive area assessments (CAA).

Service transformation will be the means by which local authorities and their partners can address these complex and challenging objectives. Through improved partnership working, they can collectively work to address their shared priorities. These could include, for example, tackling worklessness and the impact this has on the local economy.

Service transformation will also deliver both radical improvements in the outcomes that the public services deliver – enabling better quality of life, stronger economic performance, better health and education and less crime. By making major changes in the way that the public services are organised we make it easier for both the customer accessing and the staff delivering these services.

For more information please contact Siobhan Coughlan, Programme Manager Service Transformation siobhan.coughlan@idea.gov.uk

In this section

  • Transforming public services Last updated 23 March 2010

    An introduction to service transformation.

  • Government Connect benefits realisation fund Last updated 29 July 2010

    Government Connect has created a £1.5 million fund to be managed by LG Improvement and Development. Councils looking to explore the benefits of the GCSx data sharing network were invited to submit funding applications by 14 January 2009.

  • Government Connect support and data handling guidelines for local government Last updated 29 July 2010

    This publication highlights recognised best practice in secure data handling, provides local authorities with a key checklist of actions, and sets the standard for local government going forward.

  • Front office shared services (FOSS) project Last updated 12 August 2009

    The FOSS project investigated opportunities for delivering more integrated and efficient services through shared ‘front office’ arrangements such as one-stop shops, contact centres, web portals or home visiting schemes. View its findings.

  • Setting up HR shared services Last updated 23 June 2010

    Through combining dispersed HR administrative activities, shared services can deliver cost and quality benefits for councils. This guide examines some of the key issues councils should consider when introducing HR shared services.

  • Workforce issues in shared services Last updated 3 August 2010

    This major resource looks at the implications for HR departments of the move towards shared services. It provides guidance for councils helping their workforces through the practical, legal, financial and cultural issues posed by shared services. It also has links to a private community of practice where heads of HR can discuss their experiences together.

  • Local Government Delivery Council Last updated 21 February 2008

    The Local Government Delivery Council (LGDC) exists to drive forward local service transformation. It is part of local government’s continuing commitment to delivering services that meet the needs and expectations of local citizens and businesses.

  • Local Government Customer Insight Forum Last updated 7 April 2010

    The Local Government Customer Insight Forum promotes work on local service transformation and acts as a link to central government.

  • Useful websites and resources Last updated 26 January 2010

    A round-up of useful websites and resources containing further information on collaboration and shared services.

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