News Update

Week Ending 8th July 2005

Sustainable Food

We will soon be establishing a workstream to cover sustainable food in the region.  Work has started on this and Colin recently met with Pat Foreman, Chief Executive of the North West Food Alliance and one of her team, Jenny Morse.  Amongst other things they discussed the possibility of letting framework agreements for food for all government-funded organisations in the North West.  A small steering group will be set up to determine the brief for a piece of research.  Part of the task would include the creation of model specifications.  One objective would be to increase the local sourcing of food and the amount that comes from local producers as well as to address the healthy eating agenda.

Voluntary Sector

Colin and Miranda met Alex Whinnom, Director of Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisations (GMCVO).  Alex agreed to consult his members and produce a note on how Councils should engage with the Voluntary Sector in order to maximise efficiency and value for money. This will include whether Councils could use existing funds better.

 

Regional Centres of Excellence – Regional Directors Away Day

Colin attended an away day with all the other directors of regional centres of excellence on 30^th June. This was a most productive meeting and Colin will be exploring with the directors of North East and Yorkshire and Humberside Centres how they can work together to avoid any duplication, make faster progress through taking lead roles and share ideas.

EVENTS

The Centre has had an interesting week networking.  Colin, Beth and Miranda, in partnership with Tameside MBC, the Centre’s host authority, ran a stand at the LGA conference.  The stand was well attended by Members and Chief Execs from around the region and feedback has been very positive.

 

Colin made a presentation to the SOPO Regional yesterday.  The day was successful, under fraught circumstances with the news coming out of London.  Four of the speakers came from London or the surrounding area, and continued to provide a good level of presentations.

Beth attended the CIPFA North West and North Wales Senior Managers Group today.  The Group is made up of all the Finance Directors / Treasurers within the region.

 

Miranda chaired the Public Sector Forum Conference on Wednesday, where using BPR to achieve efficiencies was discussed – some brilliant local government initiatives were highlighted.

e-procurement Workstream 15^th July 2005

Just a reminder - the meeting takes place next week at Hyde Town Hall and commences at 9.30 a.m.  A light lunch will be available following the meeting.  If you have not yet confirmed your attendance please email shelley.timpson@tameside.gov.uk

North West Local Efficiency and Transformation Group (LETsGO)

NWeGG in partnership with NWCE and the Enterprise Workflow National Project are hosting a learn and debate event for the NW BPR and Change Practitioner community on 13^th July 2005 at 9.30 a.m.  – 1 p.m. at Oldham.  For more information visit the NWeGG website  - http://www.nwegg.org.uk/interface/view_events.asp?id=213

Greater Manchester Police eAuction on 14^th July

Greater Manchester Police have agreed to permit selected viewers to attend a live eAuction on 14^th July in London.  For further information contact Nancy Detry nancy.detry@tradingpartners.com.