OVERVIEW

There are still many councils that have not come to terms with the level of change required in order to deliver the public services needed for the future. Attempting to save money by cutting services is not the answer. With local government moving from a service delivery role to a more strategic, coordinating one, the focus is on commissioning of services; the open public services agenda heralds a diverse new marketplace, with opportunities presented by close working with the private and third sectors, harnessing the business acumen, flexibility and entrepreneurship to deliver outstanding public services for less. Accountability – to users, taxpayers and those working in the public sector – is very important. The government aims to increase choice, allow greater control and enable personalisation of services through a revolution in digital public service delivery. Harnessing the power of new technology will transform public services.

What does the future look like for local government? Outsourcing is expected to increase, with one-third of councils expected to outsource 40% of services by 2015. Payment by results, incentive-based and partnership contracts will allow greater flexibility in service delivery. Community budgets are expected to lead to a total reshaping of how local services are provided. The four whole-place pilots announced recently are all about working together, aligning budgets and giving people a real say and influence on the nature of service delivery in their community. Starting in 2013, they will see funding for local services channelled into a single pot, which will then be coordinated by local people, voluntary and community sector organisations.

A great deal comes down to the way in which services are commissioned in the public sector. Taking a whole-process view, consulting service users on their requirements, establishing reasonable outcomes to aim for and ensuring all those involved in delivering a service – from the senior management to the frontline staff – are fully engaged and brought into the changes being implemented will greatly improve the chances of success. Close working with suppliers is very important, facilitating a real partnership based on trust, honesty and an understanding of the needs of citizens.

At this conference, delegates will hear from a range of outstanding speakers about how wholesale service redesign is being effected, offering key insights applicable to the entire public sector. With topics including economic growth, innovation, channel shift, new delivery models and community budgets, mutualisation and the importance of strong leadership in supporting business change, Redesigning Local Services is a must-attend event for everyone involved in public service delivery.