News Update

Week Ending 3rd March 2006

Measurement Guidance - ODPM Annual Efficiency Statement Guidance

ODPM have produced guidance for Leaders, Chief Executives and Heads of Service.  A guide to completing annual efficiency statements including a model AES statement is attached below along with a One Year On report examining the progress made in the last year.

One Year On Report (pdf, 601kb)

Measuring and Reporting Efficiency Gains (pdf, 626kb)

Model Annual Efficiency Statement (pdf, 38kb)

Case Studies

Please note that case studies have been published on the NWCE website and can be found under the heading ‘Good Practice’ (click here to view).  This page will be continually updated as and when new case studies become available.

EVENTS

Helping Managers deliver efficiencies –

A subsidised capacity and skills programme for the North West

We would like to remind you about the above events, taking place week commencing 13^th March 2006 at various venues across the North West. 

Due to a couple of queries this week we would like to clarify that these events are free of charge but places are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis.  To avoid disappointment I would encourage you to ensure your local authority does not miss out on this valuable training opportunity. 

The Cheshire venue is the St Mary’s Centre, which is next to Cheshire County Hall.

To reserve places please complete the booking form (which can be found by following the link below) and fax to 4ps, Skills Development, Fax 0207 808 1499 or e-mail your details to skills@4ps.gov.uk, for the attention of Kate Layton.

For further information and to view the flyer / booking form, please click here.

Local Government Legal Procurement Matters  - Seminar  23rd March, Manchester     

OGC and NWCE are jointly hosting a free seminar on local government legal procurement matters aimed primarily at Solicitors and senior legal advisers in local government 

The meeting will take place on 23rd March at Manchester City Council's offices. Start and end times to be confirmed. The event is free of charge.

The objective of the meeting is to inform delegates of lessons learnt by organisations that have first hand experience of the challenges facing local authorities in the drive towards greater efficiency. The aim is to make the event as valuable and informative as possible and therefore full participation in the discussions is welcomed.

Topics to be covered at this seminar may include:

• An update on EU Directives implementation
• Case Law update
• Framework Agreements

To reserve a place or obtain further information, please contact: John Kenyon of OGC.

Please note places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

Please circulate this information to colleagues who may be interested.  At a time when there is increasing joint working between authorities and the need for efficiencies in all areas of local government contracting there is much to be gained from pooling our relevant experience and ideas.

Please click here to view the draft agenda.

Demonstration of Automated Forms Processing application form

There will be a demonstration of the Automated Forms Processing application from CACI on 6th March, 11.00am - 13.00pm (lunch included) at The Lancashire Hub.

If you would be interested in attending please contact shelley.timpson@tameside.gov.uk

Details of the funding and information about Automated Forms can be found in the Benefit circular HB/CTB S1/2006.

Please click here http://www.dwp.gov.uk/hbctb/circulars/2006/S1-2006.pdf to view the circular. Expressions of interest need to be in by 31st March and the funding is limited we are sure that Benefits Services are already working on this.

Performance Standards funding is available from the DWP for improvements in Housing and Council Tax Benefits. The NWCE have been looking at the automated application form developed by CACI and believe that this could benefit individual Councils as well as collaboration projects.

EVENTS CALENDAR

For further information about the above events please click here, or email NWCE.