Reducing costs, driving efficiencies and doing “more for less” are terms that we have all become very familiar with over the last 12 months. Whilst many still ponder the wider implications, some have already implemented innovative solutions that are helping change the way public sector services are delivered.
At the recent PPMA Conference in London, innovation and efficiency savings were at the centre of the debate when Paul Martin, Chief Executive of London Borough of Sutton, spoke about the success of their recent joint HR Services Partnership with London Borough of Merton.
The project, which was completed in September last year, has seen Sutton link in with Merton’s long-term transformation programme to save the Council’s millions. The partnership, the first of its kind in London, has already resulted in savings of up to £500,000 a year for the two boroughs.
The success of the project has been two years in the making and DMH Stallard played a key role in its completion. Our experienced Employment and Commercial teams worked closely with Merton in a collaborative approach that ensured the project was delivered successfully. Issues ranging from governance and procurement through to TUPE and staff contracts were all managed carefully to ensure potential complications were avoided from the outset.
DMH Stallard believes that more Councils will need to consider and implement shared services across many back office functions.
Jenny Thorp, Partner and Head of Public Sector at DMH Stallard comments:
“The shape of the public sector landscape is under intense scrutiny. With a drive towards further efficiency savings and a focus on cost-savings at the top of the political agenda, whilst at the same time facing an increased demand for services and wider consumer choice, Local Authorities must look at innovative ways of transforming their organisation and delivering services. Outsourcing, shared services and partnership arrangements are undoubtedly something that all Authorities will not only need to consider but actively implement”.
DMH Stallard hosted a special one-off seminar in London on the 16 June that examined the many aspects required to implement effective shared services arrangements. The seminar guided delegates through the complex legal and practical issues which arise.
We are delighted that Dean Shoesmith, Joint Head of Service at London Borough of Merton & Sutton and President of the PPMA, joined us to discuss his experience of implementing the first ever Shared HR Service Arrangement between two London Local Authorities.
For further information including papers from the seminar please contact:
Scott Garner
Business Development Officer
Tel: 01293 663515
Email: scott.garner@dmhstallard.com
Note to Editor:
About DMH Stallard LLP
Described as ‘business people who happen to be lawyers’ DMH Stallard is a law firm that quickly gets to the heart of the issue to provide the right commercial response for its clients.
The firm operates in the mid-market acting for larger private companies, plcs, banks, private sector clients, entrepreneurs and high net-worth individuals.
Its 54 partners and 250 staff operate from prestigious offices in London, Gatwick and Brighton.
DMH Stallard was named Best Managed Firm 2007 at the MPF European Practice Management Awards.
About DMH Stallard Public Sector Group
DMH Stallard is one of the leading providers of legal services to Local Government in the UK. We work in partnership with many London Boroughs, County, Borough and District Councils.
We have been working with Local Government for over ten years and have a multi-disciplinary team of experts who advise on strategic and operational issues. Our expertise includes:
· Admin and Local Government Law
· Commercial, Contracts, IP & IT
· Construction
· Dispute Resolution including Judicial Review
· Employment
· Housing
· Planning and Highways
· Property, Regeneration & Development
· Prosecutions
DMH Stallard is ranked top in the South by Chambers and Partners 2010 for its Local Government practice and recognised as a leading provider across the UK
DMH Stallard LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England (registered number OC338287). Its registered office is 100 Queens Road, Brighton, BN1 3YB and it is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The term partner is used to refer to a member of DMH Stallard LLP. A list of members may be inspected at the registered office. The firm is part of Law Europe ensuring it is represented in over 68 countries. DMH Stallard LLP incorporates the former practice of Courts & Co.
