Swanson & James Ltd

Solutions for Local Government Institutions

A new millennium of change for Local Government

The passing of the Local Government Act in July 1999 saw the abolition of Compulsory Competitive Tendering (CCT) and the introduction of the Best Value policy. Whilst local government is concentrating on fulfilling the statutory requirements to deliver services by the most effective, economic and efficient means available, attempts have thus far shown that the traditional internal structures, cultures and processes in existence are inappropriate to deliver the required efficiencies. Furthermore there is additional pressure to achieve healthy statistics against the Best Value Performance Indicators (BVPI) and Audit Commissions Performance Indicators (ACPIs) in order to maximise the proceeds received from the Corporate Modernisation Fund (CMF).

The Best Value Policy has thus created the need for a shift in local government organisational culture from a traditional bureaucratic and centrally managed state to deal with competitive trading, transparency and accountability. But as yet these changes remain unattained and many directorates are without clear direction on how to achieve them.

Managing the change with Swanson & James

Swanson & James believes the successful implementation of Best Value lies in the collaboration of private sector processes and cultures along with a detailed understanding of the demands faced by public institutions. Swanson & James has the credentials to achieve this collaboration:

	Unlike some of its competitors working in the private sector, Swanson & James rejects the mere writing of “glossy reports” - instead its Interims seek to implement practical “hands on” solutions to problems, in close collaboration with its clients. This approach has impressed the many blue chip organisations that have joined our portfolio of trading partners.
	Swanson & James has worked with the local government in the Netherlands to modernise internal structures, operations and cultures to improve efficiency while substantially reducing costs in an initiative equivalent to Best Value.
	As a result of these activities, Swanson & James has gained a real insight into the political, cultural and technical issues facing public institutions, and has developed a tailored range of services to provide local government with the skills and organisational changes needed to excel at Best Value.

To view a number of innovative concepts that are used to assist local government authorities see Formulating Solutions.

For further information about how Swanson & James can assist local government authorities, please contact us at: info@Swanson & James.co.uk