North West Centre of Excellence

News Update

Week Ending 4th February 2005 

Workstream Update

1.      The Standards Workstream held its first meeting this week, and was very positive.  It was agreed that Beth Loudon would raise issues at the Management Board meeting on 24^th February 2005 to ascertain reactions to some of the recommendations of the workstream before further action is taken.   It was agreed that the Standards Workstream would gradually formulate guidelines and advice for all local authorities for contract/tender documentation, and will be made available using the Centre’s website.  For further information please contact bev.brooks@tameside.gov.uk

2.      Local Economies Workstream - Benchmark Survey, 18 responses had been received and non-responses were to be chased up by the Centre. Results will be circulated to all Workstreams. The group were informed by the NWDA that there is now funding for workshops on how to support small businesses. Spend Analysis - The group felt that the collection of the ‘in-depth’ spend analysis would involve huge quantities of information and a variety of problems could arise as we try and capture this data. For further information please contact shelley.taylor@tameside.gov.uk

3.      Construction Workstream had its first meeting this week. The Centre of Excellence has agreed to fund a part time Project Manager to implement their recommendations. The initial work plan was reviewed and milestones identified. For further information please contact shelley.taylor@tameside.gov.uk

4.      Future Workstream Meetings

Membership of workstreams is continually reviewed and lists updated – if you would like to be included on the distribution lists for any of the workstreams please email nwcope@tameside.gov.uk

Future workstream meetings are as follows:

Health and Social Care Workstream Launch – 10^th February
Local Economies Workstream – 25^th February
Standards Workstream – 1^st March

For more information please email nwcope@tameside.gov.uk

e-Auctions

5.      Thanks to all those that have responded, including nil returns.  Final responses need to be emailed to viv.greatwich@tameside.gov.uk no later than Wednesday 9^th February.

Value for Money

6.      We are interested in hearing of any efficiency/best practice initiatives, which may be taking place within or between councils with a view to sharing them. Colin will be writing to all North West Chief Executives requesting such information but if you have anything you would like to provide in the mean time please email viv.greatwich@tameside.gov.uk 

ODPM Efficiency Technical Notes

7.      The ODPM have released two documents regarding the efficiency agenda and its impact on local government.

These two documents build on the earlier information that published in November 2004 (see News Update 15/11/04) and, in particular, set out the approach for local authorities to take in measuring and reporting efficiency gains.

They can be found at: 

Further Guidance:

http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_localgov/documents/page/odpm_locgov_034633.pdf
 

Efficiency Technical Note:

http://www.odpm.gov.uk/stellent/groups/odpm_localgov/documents/page/odpm_locgov_032805.pdf

If you have any trouble accessing them via these links, you may find them on the ODPM website (www.odpm.gov.uk) by clicking first on "Local Government" and then "Better Public Services".  

Many thanks, 

Colin Cram

4^th February 2005