1. Stakeholder Event: Local Authority Commissioners of Advice Services   Glasgow, 13th January Andrew McGuire, Improvement Service

2. About the Improvement Service
National improvement body for local government in Scotland
Not-for-profit, non-political, local govt owned and controlled
Small IS core budget; bulk of funding external and project-specific
Extensive work programme in CPPs / wider partnership context
Principal focus in driving and supporting transformation aimed at improving outcomes, reducing costs, promoting preventative approaches, tackling poverty & inequalities
Close working relationships with Councils, SOLACE, COSLA, wider range of national and local partners
Collaborative, outcomes-focused, client-centred approach

3. Examples of IS activities / Core areas of focus
Identifying / disseminating good practice
Promoting partnership working and collaboration – local regional, national
Analysis, research, evaluation
Co-ordination of wide range of networks, etc
Performance management & benchmarking
Innovation / Digital
Providing constructive challenge and support
Change Management / Transformation

4. IS Advice Outcomes Project
Funded by Money Advice Service for past 5 yrs
Overseen by Advisory Board with membership from across Scotland’s key advice sector stakeholders
3 FTE project staff – plus range of IS in-kind support
Working across all of Scotland
Focus of project has continued to evolve since inception
Current project contract ends 31/3/19 – In discussion with Scot Govt to explore potential future joint working

5. Common Advice Performance Management Reporting Framework 2017-18 published report – Some Key Facts
Returns submitted by local authorities for most recent full financial year
94,336 new clients
51% with a disability / 55% income <£10,000 p.a / 25% were in work
Councils invest significant funding in advice services - £25.8m p.a.
486 council FTE staff, 386 external FTE, 412 volunteer FTE
ROI - £1: £21
Key Message: Advice Services are effectively targeting many of the poorest people in Scotland and represent excellent VFM....
….But!

6. Challenges
Ongoing public funding squeeze - pressure for further savings
Highlighted by extent of Advice Services reviews
8.3% overall reduction in SG funding for LG over past 7 yrs
But effective ‘ringfencing’ has meant certain services disproportionately affected and experiencing much more significant reductions
Wide range of external drivers leading to increased service demand e.g. UC roll-out; Brexit uncertainties impacting economy, future tax take, etc
Significant levels of currently unmet need
Overall funding and provision is overly-complex, patchy, short-termist and fragile
Scale of challenges requires creative thinking / ambitious solutions
Key Message: Despite successes, much more needs to be done!

7. Opportunities
Significant cross-sectoral commitment to tackling poverty & inequalities
Levy funding now devolved to Scot Govt – opportunity to shape most effective use of resource and join-up across government and others
Strengthen co-ordination across funders
Service transformation opportunities:
Re-design delivery of services around needs of clients
Use of technology to extend reach and efficiencies (currently 60% face-to-face)
Exploring new models of service planning and delivery
Developing evidence base on most effective models
Key Message – There is an opportunity to reshape services in a way that
extends reach and enhances impact

8. Summary
Advice Services are absolutely critical for tackling poverty and inequalities
At their most effective, they can provide a conduit for accessing a wide range of public and third sector services
But Advice Services are under severe pressure
Addressing the Challenges & Opportunities will require all partners to work together to embrace change under a clear vision for future provision and enhancing impact
Developing such a clear vision for the future of Scotland’s advice services will require effective and joined-up leadership from across central and local government, third sector and others who have a contribution to make