Consortia – working together to deliver public services Michael O’Toole
Why collaborate? Consortia are delivery entities public sector will recognise A formal consortium is a valid tendering entity Collective track record, financial strength, reach and expertise should be considered Extra services can be delivered Holistic customer journey can be provided Individual members can play to their strengths Economies of scale and cost‐savings can be delivered Enables role for small organisations in larger delivery Finance and cash flow
Benefits for commissioners Seamless delivery across a range of services Integrated services Cohesion across different sectors Outcome-focussed commissioning Local, personalised services via large contracts Performance, management information and added value Contract management and efficiency Reduce administration and financial processing
Practical learning Collaboration is what you make it! Clear roles, responsibilities, management and governance Consortia members need to pull together and share goals Shared responsibility, shared risk, shared reputation Harmonised with the need to be sustainable Focus on outcomes not internal mechanics Shared services Bidding Performance Quality HR Finance Legal IT
Good practices Consortium needs to be fit for the purpose! Pre‐tender clarity leads to smoother performance once the contract is won Manage performance centrally or with managing agent ‘Chief Executive’, mediator and first point of contact Focus on QA independently from delivery Clear sub‐contracts and agreed: Processes, referrals, escalation, etc Anticipated work flows & outcomes expected Payment terms & evidence MI requirements Scope and tolerances of performance and contingencies
Good practices Share resources and experience Secondments Platforms Manage volume fluctuations flexibly Communicate and review Continuous improvement Develop and improve service and efficiency Internal performance competition
Questions?
Questions?