Providing Excellent Service to the Local Council Sector Nick Randle SLCC Chief Executive

“ He that would live in peace and at ease should not speak all that he knows and all that he sees ” Benjamin Franklin Please note -In this presentation the terms “we, our, and us” refers to the Local Council Sector bodies, NALC, SLCC, CALCS, and One Voice Wales. All views expressed are those of the presenter and are not necessarily the official policy of the SLCC

Sector Evolution 2011 A range of alliances and joint working among 50 separate bodies

Estimated Annual Turnover of Sector Bodies

The world we are in Pressure on finances Difficulty reaching the unreached Duplication of effort Efforts are sometimes unfocussed Rising expectations from government, the media and the public A massive opportunity which will be lost if not grasped firmly Are we fit for purpose?

In a perfect world we wouldn’t start from here !

Or from here

Or here!

We have some good components in our vehicle Some good training programmes from each organisation Advisory services Good mentoring programmes NALC influence with government CALC local connections Some good written material SLCC practitioner base Outcrops of entrepreneurial spirit Some good strategic programmes Good websites

Our offer to councils and clerks We have all the components to provide this

Our offer to councils and clerks We have all the components to provide this Unfortunately we currently provide this !

Proposition 1- Despite our many successes our sector organisation is increasingly inadequate for the 21 st century. Proposition 2 – In order to be what we need to be we have to transform ourselves and slaughter many sacred cows.

What do Councils, Clerks, and Communities Want From Us? Core of best practice expertise on all issues affecting Councils Accessible responsive, authoritative advice service Good quality, relevant, cost effective, training Problem solving ability –Legal matters –Technical Issues –Employment Timely and easily digestible information on developments in the sector. Support in managing council costs and building quality service Technology support Good, well connected representation speaking with one voice to achieve a supportive legislative environment An open and democratic organisation which takes account of all stakeholders Affordable subscriptions and fees

And they do’nt really care who provides it!

IS IT NOW TIME FOR A TRUE LOCAL COUNCILS ALLIANCE?

Local Councils Alliance Constitutional alliance of stakeholders Some stakeholder autonomy –Community, Councillors and Employees >Councils Levies a single membership fee Unitary organisation for the provision of services –Single management and staffing structure Five centres nationally- – North, East Midlands, Wales, South West, London

Stakeholders

Local Decision Making

National Decision Making

LCA Services Fast track advisory service Detailed technical and legal advice Comprehensive range of publications Interactive website delivering downloadable services Comprehensive training programme for Clerks and Councillors Institute with formal qualifications structure Employment support and dispute resolution mechanisms Research on community needs, improved processes & techniques Representation to principal authorities, government and others Sector wide Promotion and Marketing Discount Goods and Services contracts Locum and consultancy programme Clear sector leadership

How would it work Financially?

The Benefits Financial Efficiency We can do much more than we collectively do now AND Save or redeploy £3million (33%) THROUGH The application of technology and economies of scale, and harnessing volunteer effort.

The Benefits Training £500,000 pa fund to provide “free training” 15 full time trainers and 45 one day a week mentors Course programme covering all topics Even coverage nationally

The Benefits Advisory Service On demand National Service Managing Advisor 4 Solicitors 2 Financial Experts 2 Information Technology Experts 4 HR Experts 2 Planning Experts 16 one day a week practitioner advisors Single source for all publications

The Benefits Policy & External Affairs –Single voice with government and other audiences supported by well researched cases –CEO & Deputy – 4 policy officers –2 Researchers

The Benefits Local Representation Community and Councillors stakeholder groups in addition to Clerks Councils representation truely represent all stakeholders 45 Branch officers 5 Democratic services officers

The Benefits Management and Administration Single management National administration in 5 offices Specialist officers working from office or home Mobilising a mixture of Professional Staff Sector Experts Volunteers

Why haven’t we done this before? NALC /CALC organisation in existence since 1948 Highly prized independence. Idea of a shared body feels threatening –The Employment (“Trade Union”) issue –The Wales issue –Who would be “in charge” –Fear of takeover Costs of change Name your reason

Summary We have good components but our overall product is not fit for purpose. The potential benefits for our customers of change and co- operation among us are huge The problems are significant but are mostly based in fear, pride, mistrust, rather than practicality Opportunities will pass us by if we are not in a position to grasp them