Laura Sharman 08 May 2014

Shared services working in West Suffolk says peer review

The shared service arrangement between Forest Heath District Council and St Edmundsbury Borough Council has put the two authorities in a better financial position that most, according to a peer review.

The review, conducted by the Local Government Association, found the decision to share a chief executive and streamline management has maintained service levels for residents despite saving £3.5m a year.

It also praised the West Suffolk councils for adopting a commercial approach to delivering services and successfully retaining the political independence of the two councils.

The report stated: ‘There is a clear sense of ambition for the place, and recognition that the councils must change the way they do things in order to deliver the things that matter most to local residents and businesses in the context of significantly reduced financial resources.

‘The clear understanding among frontline staff of the scale of the financial challenge still to come, was matched by an eagerness to be part of finding and delivering the solutions.’

Cllr John Griffiths, leader at St Edmundsbury, said the report shows that despite the ‘very significant change’ across both councils, they had managed to maintain standards while making savings. Leader of Forest Heath, Cllr James Waters, said the review showed the two councils are delivering more for each pound.

The two councils agreed a new shared management team, cutting seven senior jobs, back in 2012.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Early Help Family Practitioner - 12 month FTC

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£39150.00 - £42861.00 per annum
Be the support that helps families find their strength and move forward.Be the support that helps families find their strength and move forward. As England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development

Swansea Council
£73,908 - £85,884
As Head of HR and OD Swansea (Abertawe)
Recuriter: Swansea Council

Early Help Practitioner

Durham County Council
Grade 6, £28,142 - £31,022 per annum
Durham County Council are on a continuous improvement journey in relation to its Early Help service. We are one of 75 Local Authorities who are part o Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Legal Clerical Assistant

Durham County Council
£26,403 to £28,598 p.a. (Grade 5)
A vacancy has arisen within Business Services for a full time, permanent Legal Clerical Assistant to provide legal clerical support to solicitors and Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Practice Coordinator

Durham County Council
Grade 13 - £47,181 - £51,356
Do you love supporting practitioners to bring their best selves to their work? We are looking for a Practice Coordinator to support our Social Worker Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner