Co-location Jobcentre Plus and Local Authorities delivering better and more cost-effective outcomes in the community. Bedfordshire 30 June 2011

Chris Grayling’s, Minister of State at the Department of Work and Pensions, vision: “We will co-locate and work together with public, voluntary sector and contracted partners to deliver better, more cost effective, outcomes in ways that make the individual more able to find work whilst maintaining our presence at the centre of communities.” Extract from: The vision Jobcentre Plus 2015

What is Co-location? The delivery of services from sites shared with other organisations. A key strand of Jobcentre Plus’s localism work. A method of supporting Government goals and objectives.

Co-location objectives? 1.Improve the customer experience and outcomes by creating opportunities to integrate services around the broader needs of customers. 2.Reduce the overall estate required by different public sector organisations serving similar groups. 3.Improved value for money for the taxpayer.

About Bedfordshire 410,900 residents 7,030 on JSA 11,370 on ESA/Incap 3,600 IS

Central Bedfordshire Council perspective Co-location a huge opportunity Commitment from officers and Members Financial efficiencies Improved Customer Experience Really making a difference

Inward co-location: Biggleswade. Biggleswade: Council Customer Service Team co- locate with Jobcentre Plus, High Street, Biggleswade. When: From 22 March Estimated financial saving (importing office): £197K over 10 years. Council “lift and drop” into JCP

Staff comments post Co-location “When dealing with customers who have financial issues regarding rent and/or council tax it has been extremely helpful to have the council on site.” “I have referred a number of customers to the council staff who have been able to assist them.” “Customer service has improved and each of the customers I have referred have been delighted that they have been able to get the advice and support they need – a one stop shop.”

Biggleswade Today Press article 10 June “This initiative means people who will need to access other services aside from Jobseekers’ Allowance, such as housing benefit, can now do so, and all in the same building.” Chris Grayling.

Photograph of signage at Biggleswade

Outward co-location: Dunstable. Dunstable: Six JCP staff co-locate in Council Offices, High Street North, Dunstable and remaining staff transferring to Luton JCP. When: Co-locate from autumn 2011, vacate JCP in spring Estimated financial saving: £1.8 million over 10 years. JCP “footprint” at Council

Outward co-location: Leighton Buzzard proposal. Leighton Buzzard: JCP co-locate in Council’s premises with Citizens Advice Bureau and Voluntary Community Action at Leighton Buzzard. JCP building vacated. When: Co-locate in June 2012, vacate JCP premises in August Estimated financial saving: £830K over 10 years. JCP “lift and drop” into Council

Joint LA/JCP vision Co location Councillor & Ministerial approval Governance Business Cases consultation IT & telephony Data Protection Culture Property What we did…

Outcomes Behaviour and how we did itLessons Learnt Holistic service, worked together to improve partnerships leading to better outcomes. Meets Ministerial vision Estates rationalisation – retaining a local presence and confirming the viability of the site Financial savings for tax payer as well as organisations involved. Scale-able Models Furniture (imposed JPEG) Consultation (react to feedback) Compromise - Partners standards/vision not identical (JCP branding inflexible) Extensive administration for Project Team - Deadline and priorities not always aligned esp. between co- location partners. Not all outcomes will be positive – some staff and customers do not always win. Clearer explanation of Approvals process for the CBC Clearer understanding of CBC’s political pressures

Questions?

Contact Details Steve Perry – Co-location Project Lead Jobcentre Plus Hannah Mahoney-Smith - Head of Customer Services Central Bedfordshire Council Lisa McIntosh – Co-location Project Team Jobcentre Plus