South West Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership News Bulletin - 27 February 2009
SOPO - Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Procurement 2008
The public procurement sector, now more than at any other time, must operate in a challenging economic environment with ever increasing pressure to deliver not only value for money, but also customer satisfaction and environmentally sound solutions – and all this whilst ensuring that procurement exercises are conducted compliantly and exclusively.
As a result of this, major achievements in the field of public procurement should be officially recognised for the part they play in creating better services. SW RIEP would like to congratulate Southwest One in winning the ‘other public sector bodies’ category of SOPO Awards (The Society of Procurement Officers in Local Government). Southwest One is a unique joint venture company set up to deliver and transform a range or front and back office services.
Congratulations also go to Exeter City Council and Swindon Borough Council for making the finalists round for the ‘non unitary council’ and ‘unitary council categories.
Roots Review: Review of Arrangements for Efficiencies from Smarter Procurement in Local Government
During the 2007 Comprehensive Spending review (CSR07) period (2008-09 to 2010-11), English councils are collectively required to achieve £4.9bn cash-releasing efficiency gains. Delivering Value for Money in Local Government set an expectation that nearly 60 per cent of this total (£2.8bn) would arise through smarter procurement.
This independent Report highlights that substantial actions are underway by the Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnerships (RIEPs) and others to enhance procurement efficiency, but more can be done. It sets out practical recommendations that can be acted on by relevant organisations, such as the RIEPs. Click here to download the Report.
CAA Framework
Following extensive consultation with government, stakeholders and local people, the partner inspectorates responsible for developing Comprehensive Area Assessment (CAA) have published the CAA framework. The framework sets out what CAA is and how it will be delivered from 1 April 2009. Click here for further information from the Audit Commission Website.
In Focus: Putting People First Equality and Diversity Matters 3
The In Focus bulletin is the third in a series of three designed to help service providers meet the personalisation agenda in social care, by addressing equality and diversity matters. This bulletin focuses on achieving disability equality in social care services. Click here to read the bulletin.
Healthy Lives, Brighter Futures – The Strategy for Children and Young People’s Health
In December 2007, the Government made a commitment in the Children’s Plan to publish a child health strategy jointly between the Department of Health and the Department for Children, Schools and Families. Healthy lives, brighter futures: A Strategy for children and young people’s health has now been launched by Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health and Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families.
This joint Strategy presents the Government’s vision for children and young people’s health and wellbeing. It sets out how we will build on progress through: world-class outcomes; high quality services; excellent experience in using those services; and minimising health inequalities.
To download the Strategy click here.
The Commissioning Support Programme new website
The Commissioning Support Programme new website is now live. The site provides a meeting place for commissioners working in all areas of children’s services.
Better commissioning is at the heart of the Government's plans to improve the delivery of services in pursuit of improved outcomes for children.
This website provides support, advice and information for anyone involved in commissioning children’s services. Whether you are a newcomer or an experienced commissioner, the website is a one-stop shop for all your commissioning needs. Click here to go to the website.
Improvement Express: Issue 12
The latest issue of Improvement Express, the IDeA’s main communication with senior councillors and officers, is now available and this issue covers:
- Local leadership in a recession
- Economic development
- Healthy Communities programme
- 'Looking Back, Moving Forward'
View this issue of Improvement Express by clicking here.
LGC Local Leadership Conference
25 March 2009
Do you have the leadership it takes to get you through the tough times? Leadership is now not something that is just nice to do. It is something you need to do. But what is now required of local leaders and how can you apply it in practice to really make a difference?
LGC’s eighth annual Leadership conference provides an essential opportunity for a range of current and future leaders across public services to prepare for the next steps in local leadership. To find out more or register a place click here.
A Date for Your Diary - 21 April 2009
Stronger Communities Programme Launch Event
The Stronger Communities programme launch event is due to take place at the Webbington Hotel and Spa, BS26 2HU (just outside Weston Super Mare) on Tuesday 21 April 2009. The event will be jointly run by SW RIEP and the SW Neighbourhood Resource Centre.
The event is aimed at Chief Executives, Corporate Directors, Local Authority officers leading on community engagement and Members, as well as representatives from the voluntary sector and public service partners.
Our aim is to feedback outcomes from the recently conducted regional survey on community empowerment sent to all South West Councils, focus on the business case for empowerment, highlight how it can be 'mainstreamed' and emphasise the leadership role of Members.
We will also focus on the core role of the 3rd sector in all of this and, crucially, provide an opportunity for participants to further shape the direction of the programme for 2009 and beyond. Further information will be publicised in this newsletter and on the SW RIEP website once the agenda has been finalised.
Events (please click on the title of the event for further information)
LGA Annual Fire Conference and Exhibition
10 to 11 March 2009
Bristol Marriot Hotel, BS1 3AD
National Efficiency and Improvement Conference
12 March 2009 (08:45-17:00)
Inmarsat Conference Centre, London EC1
South West Regional Public Sector Food Procurement Conference
12 March 2009 (10:00-13:20)
Prince Consort Hall, Winter Gardens, Weston-Super-Mare
Waste Roadshow (RIEP, DeFRA & WIN)
13 March 2009 (12:00-16:30)
Lyngford House, Taunton
EC Procurement Update and Case Law Seminar
17 March 2009 (10:00-13:00)
Taunton Rugby Club, Somerset
South East Enhanced Two Tier Working - FREE EVENT
19 March 2009 (09:30-15:00)
Civic Centre, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Waste Roadshow (RIEP, DeFRA & WIN)
24 March 2009 (12:00-16:30)
Reading Town Hall
Frame Work Event - FREE EVENT
28 April 2009
Conference Room, Bristol City Council
South West Regional Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (SW RIEP)
tel: 01823 270101
email: karen.ball@swcouncils.gov.uk
