News Summary of Collaboration and Shared Services from 4th February 2015

I will let the articles in this week’s news speak for themselves.

However, an indirect piece of news is that a consortium of senior researchers and academics from Skills for Justice (Research), University of Nottingham, University of Birmingham and the University of the West of Scotland, have been commissioned by the Emergency Services Collaboration Working Group, through the Home Office, to evaluate existing and emerging emergency service collaboration.

The outcome is to establish an evidence base for greater cooperation across the emergency services. Currently they are gathering the perspectives of Chief Constables, Police and Crime Commissioners, Chairs of Fire Authorities, Chief Fire Officers and ambulance Chief Executives.

Any research into how we can all accelerate shared service working is very welcome. I wonder if they will come out with the same conclusion as the academics in the 60 year old academic field of Inter-organisational Relationships: That collaborative working success comes through focusing 75% on the relationships between the decision makers, and only 25% on the deal.

Here is this week’s news…

Local Government

Leader rejects plans for Bolton and Bury councils to share chief executive

The leader of Bolton Council has dismissed calls by the Conservative party in Bury that the two local authorities could share a chief executive to save money. Read more >>>

Lord True speaks out about Richmond and Wandsworth councils' merger

The quality of services offered by Richmond Council will not be affected by a merger with Wandsworth, said council leader Lord True. Read more >>>

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Police

Police job losses "inevitable" as forces seek to save cash with back-office merger

Job losses are looming as Wiltshire Police looks to save money by sharing services with a neighbouring force. Talks have begun with Avon and Somerset Police about forming a “strategic alliance” as both forces seek to drastically cut costs. Read more >>>

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Health

Nottingham integrated care programme becomes a pioneer

Health and social care organisations working in Nottingham to provide innovative, joined-up care for citizens are being invited to join the national Integrated Care Pioneers initiative, it has emerged. Read more >>>

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