Bid number (for
EG use) | |
Lead bidder | Dumfries&Galloway Council (
DGC), David Archibald -
01387 260060,
david.archibald@dumgal.gov.uk |
Brief description of the aims of the
project | To improve the management of the partner
organisations by implementing efficient
management practices enabled by modern
information systems |
Clear description of what the
EGF money would be used to
buy | New Payroll and Personnel data processing
software together with associated consultancy
for re-engineering processess, training and
hardware. |
Partners to the project likely to commit
resources | DGC,
Dumfries&GallowayPolice*,
Dumfries&Galloway Fire Brigade*, All other
Scottish Councils and many other public bodies
including
NHS D&G and 2 local
authorities in Cumbria were asked last week if
they would wish to explore participation. To
date we have had a number of positive responses
and there may be scope for some wider
involvement. However at this stage there are
further discussions to take place. (See list
below) *
Payroll only |
Names of other organisations with whom the
project has been discussed (to assist the
introductions process) | Clackmannan, Perth&Kinross and Fife
Councils may be partners with Edinburgh wishing
to be kept in touch though not wanting to
proceed at this stage. We are also in touch
with Midlothian who may also be interested. |
Evidence that suggested approach has been
deployed successfully elsewhere | Several councils including at least one
Welsh authority have, by harnessing the
information available through modern systems,
made significant savings in
HR. Others including D&G
have, by similar means and small scale pilots,
reported the potential for saving if modern
payroll systems were available. Clearly the
recent government announcements on the subject
of shared/partnered services see similar
advantages and economies as a realistic
prospect. |
Are there any restrictions to potential for
enlargement of the project (
i.e. technology, number of
partners etc) | No restrictions beyond practical and
financial issues. For example the fact is that
some councils have recently invested in such
technology and would be reluctant to move to a
new system at this stage. It is part of this
proposal that any very recently introduced
system by another council/public body willing
to partner be examined for its suitability to
work in D&G and in a wider partnership.
However the national systems used by Health and
for the Scottish Enterprise network seem at
this point to be too specific, and have been
introduced without partnership across sectors
in mind, to be considered as the best way
forward for now. |
Benefits projected from the project | Better management information allows better
targeting of scarce resources and in turn
savings. More direct input to information
systems allows data processing with fewer
intermediate clerical steps and so frees
employees for other tasks. Better output can be
achieved from fewer inputs. This allows reform
of aspects of payroll &
HR more time will be more
productive internal processes will be more
efficient. The suggestion though largely based
on best use if the management information
accessible only through up to date systems also
envisages common payroll and
HR systems and shared
services developing across partners. Clearly if
enough partners sign up joint consortia
procurement emerges as a potential. Savings in
recruitment advertising in
DGC alone could be £150,000
pa. To this can be added other efficiencies of
at least the same again. Accordingly if other
partners can be found and similar gains
achieved the proposal more than meets the
Executives guidelines.. |
Estimated financial projections for D&G
only | Total | 2005/6 | 2006/7 | 2007/8 | 2008/9 |
Overall project cost | £441k | £196k | £105k | £55k | £55k |
Estimated projected benefits | £760k | - | £100k | £330k | £330k |
Is a pilot required - see guidance notes | Not needed |
Additionally: why is
EG funding required | The existing systems may be continued for
some time but the efficiencies can only be
maximised if an integrated approach is
achieved. This is unlikely through normal
budget processes and timescales, even less so
if the improvements enabled by this project are
to be brought to fruition across several
partners. To maximise the benefits and savings
revised systems based on comprehensive modern
technology need funding as any individual
council/service approach would otherwise tend
to be limited in scope and extent by financial
strictures. Specific funding to achieve
significant savings is needed. |
Does this project complementary in anyway to
other
EG work ?
? | As it strikes at the root of sound
management, by allowing rapid decision taking
based on more comprehensive and accurate
information, applying to all services to the
public, and as it will free employment from the
back room to be used in the front line, this
proposal complements all aspects of efficient
government work. |
Is "stage 2 development funding"
requested? | If yes, please provide a covering note as
outlined in the "covering letter". |