North West Centre of Excellence

News Update

Week Ending 30th June 2006

OGC Fleet Bulletin

Next steps in building the new DCLG Consultation ended on 28th June and an internal document detailing plans for implementing the new arrangements will be published on the 6th July. The new structures will then go live on the 2nd October. 

Kelly signals people power central to Local government reform

One year on from the Government’s action plan ’Together We Can’ evidence shows barriers between the public and government institutions are being broken down. The first annual review of Together We Can published this week reveals a snapshot of progress being made in communities across the country.  It shows that through working with public bodies, more people are discovering they can play a part in finding solutions to problems that affect their lives. Ruth Kelly renewed DCLG's commitment to ensuring residents are involved in shaping local policies so they make a real difference to people’s lives.  http://www.communities.gov.uk/index.asp?id=1002882&PressNoticeID=2185

Free Fleet and Vehicle Consultancy

As part of its continued work around vehicle and fleet efficiency the NWCE is pleased to be supporting an initiative by the Energy Saving Trust that is offering a minimum of three free days consultancy for organizations with over 50 vehicles.  Funded by the Department for Transport, your free consultancy will be carried out by specialists who have gained experience across a wide spectrum of fleets. By understanding the legal and commercial implications for your organisation, the consultants will be able to show you how you might run your fleet more efficiently - to benefit both your bottom line and the environment.

Free fleet and vehicle consultancy – further information.

eProcurement Newsletter

The latest eProcurement newsletter is now available and can be viewed here – NWCE eProcurement Newsletter.

eInvoicing Workshop – Limited Availability

Due to the interest around eInvoicing a specialist workshop has now been re-arranged for 9.30am on 18^th July. This half-day event will take place at the Wigan Investment Centre and includes

both supplier and local authority speakers including OB10, CMS International

and HMRC.  Places are very limited, so please email

Rebecca McDevitt to reserve a slot.

Energy Procurement Workshop – 28th July

An energy procurement workshop has been arranged for 9.30 on 28^th July at The Hub, Preston.  The agenda is now available.  For further information contact NWCE.

Regional Sustainable Procurement Event – Leeds - 19th July

This event is to promote the findings of the Sustainable Procurement Task Force and talk through the recommendations. 

The purpose of the event is to disseminate the recommendations of the Task Force and talk through the actions, timescales and tools (Flexible Framework and Prioritisation Methodology), and to receive views and feedback.

There are approximately 40 places and attendees should include CEOs, local authority members, finance directors, heads of procurement and commercial directors.

If you would like further information please contact Nicola Martin, Sustainable Procurement Task Force Secretariat on 020 7270 8148

Care Services Efficiency Delivery

CSED is pleased to announce its first initiative.  This initiative around Blue Badge processes is complete with a valuable "Quick Win" component for councils.

Responding to demand for Blue Badges across England, some Councils operate processes that can be improved to reduce cost and improve customer service.  Improvements in quality and speed of delivery can be made by making changes such as, replacing GP consultation with training for staff to make informed decisions and stopping the collection of the application fee. Additional benefits can be achieved by absorbing the function into a Contact Centre.

Duments are available which include information needed to implement this initiative along with a Diagnostic Tool and Benefits Toolkit. 

CSED Blue Badge Initiative – further information.

NWIN Individual Studentship Bursaries

"Seeking Improvement through Shared Learning"

Has lack of funding prevented you from bringing an idea for improvement to fruition?  Do you have a dream that will bring about long-term improvements or a vision that will support our shared drive to become a region of excellence in local governance? Would £5,000 additional funding help you make this a reality? 

NWIN Individual Studentship Bursaries – further information.

AGMA Collaborative Services – Stakeholder Event, 20th July 2006 –

“Shared Services in City Regions”

"Lion of Vienna" Suite, Reebok Stadium, Horwich, Bolton, BL6 6SF (map attached).

This event is open to Elected Members with portfolio for finance

and efficiency and to Policy Officers within the regions authorities. 

For more information please view the  flyer and/or the

draft programme.

For more information or to register your interest please contact Mark Holden,  Partnerships Policy Officer, AGMA Policy and Research Unit Tel: 01942 705 720
Fax: 01942 705 728 or E-mail: m.holden@agma.gov.uk