Local Government Case Study

An Essex based Local Authority

THE ORGANISATION

THE ISSUES / PROBLEMS

• The Council was required to make substantial cost savings whilst ensuring service delivery was not put at risk
• There were differing views within the senior management team on where efficiency gains and cost savings could be achieved to match the scale of requirements
• An internal team had been appointed to ensure delivery, however this lacked the skills and experience of managing similar programmes

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

• One-to-one interviews with key executive directors and service heads to gain views and perceptions
• Carried out desk-top 'benchmarking' exercise against a family group of Councils, taking into account other Councils strategic parameters
• Feedback into executive alignment workshops focusing on:
  • External stakeholder relationships and management
  • Internal delivery capability strengths and weaknesses
  • Effective use of internal resources and skills
  • Opportunities for outsourcing and partnership working
  • Priority areas for the Council and community
  • Required outcomes
• Developed and agreed priority areas for attention and clear targets
• Integrated a series on individual improvement initiatives into an overall transformation programme
• Developed a clear structure and framework for delivery
• Coached internal team plus service managers in implementation management tools and techniques

PROJECT RESULTS

• Achieved alignment of thinking amongst senior management team regarding priority areas and targets
• Provided a clear framework to evaluate strategic options and make clear decisions
• Enhanced internal management capability in identifying and agreeing areas for improvement, often involving 'sensitivities'
• Established a clear structure and framework to ensure effective implementation and delivery of cost reduction / efficiency improvements
• Programme now being implemented