In April 2007 Public Service Events hosted Local Government Efficiency: Providing value, Protecting services, an event where local government stakeholders debated policy and regulation in preparation for the Comprehensive Spending Review in October. The event was attended by an expert audience of local government professionals, responsible for the preparation and implementation of efficiency plans. Following on from the success of that event, on Wednesday 5th March 2008, Public Service Events will host The Efficiency Challenge: Creating a Lean Public Sector, at the Barbican, London. The event will look at the current position of the efficiency agenda, post CSR07, and will discuss ways in which further efficiency gains can be driven forward. The event will once again explore the methods by which local authorities can streamline their operations, but it will also investigate how efficiency savings can be generated for central government, particularly through relocation.



In 2004 the Gershon review set a target of £21 billion of efficiency gains to be made across the public sector. The treasury launched a five stream efficiency programme accordingly, looking at procurement, corporate services, productive time, transactional services and policy. In the lead up to the comprehensive spending review 2007, the government pledged a ‘deepening’ role for the programme. After considerable success in achieving efficiency gains to date, can the public sector continuingly get more economical in theses areas?

In this context, our conference will review the post-CSR07 efficiency agenda. Plenary sessions and master-classes will look at ways in which public organisations can generate further efficiency gains, within and beyond the current work-streams. Our morning plenary session, opened by Stuart Ladds from OGC, will look at the post-Lyons relocation agenda and the benefits that can be generated both for central government and receiving local areas. Further, Chris Haynes from the Cabinet Office will outline how technology in government can lead to greater efficiency in service delivery. Also, an afternoon panel debate will identify the challenges set by the CSR and attempt to answer the question: how much more efficient can the public sector get? Attendees will have the opportunity to network and discuss best practice between sessions and over lunch.

The Efficiency Challenge: Creating a Lean Public Sector will provide a valuable opportunity for exchanging ideas in the continuingly prudent environment. If you are responsible for efficiency or relocation within a public sector department, executive agency or local authority, this event is an absolute must.