The Scottish Government

Bid No (for EG use)

Lead bidder

Joint Public Sector Group in conjunction with:-
Aberdeen City Council
Aberdeenshire Council
Grampian Police
(Richard Parker)
E-Mail: rparker@personnel.aberdeen.net.uk

Brief Description of the aims of the project

This project is intended to achieve effective, efficient and economic benefits across Personnel Services in the areas of Training and Development, Recruitment and Selection and Occupational Health Provision.

These projects, together, will:-

• Maximise effective and efficient use of resources
• Ensure the sharing of best practice
• Encourage joint working
• Achieve financial benefits

Clear description of what the EGF money would be used to buy

• The purchase and /or development of shared property
• The development of common / shared technologies to support the initiatives
• Consultancy time / additional resources to draft the business plan and produce a development plan
• Associated costs providing the training required for the relevant people within the partners organisations

Partners to the project likely to commit resources

Aberdeen City Council

Aberdeenshire Council

Grampian Police

Names of other organisations with whom the project has been discussed (to assist the introductions process)

Moray Council

NHS Grampian

Grampian Fire and Rescue

Some elements have also been discussed with Aberdeen College, Aberdeen University, RGU, all of whom remain interested in possible participation at a later stage.

Evidence that suggested the approach has been deployed successfully elsewhere

Joint working across the public sector, although in its infancy, is already evident and is already demonstrating some benefit. The guidance of the JPSG as an executive demonstrates the advantage of joint working.

There are various examples of joint working in relation to, for example, procurement, control rooms, social work training, health and safety training, etc.

Are there any restrictions to potential for enlargement of the project (i.e. technology, number of partners etc.)

These projects are in keeping with the recommendations likely to be made by the Society of Personnel Directors in Scotland. In that sense these areas are likely to become the focal point for efficient government initiatives across local authorities in Scotland.

There are no limitations in respect of the technologies although there will, obviously, be limitations in respect of venues, geography, etc.

Benefits projected from the project

1.1 Recruitment and Selection

• Reduced unit costs of advertising

• ---

  Increased use of joint website
• Shared use of existing technologies
• Greater volume of shared applicants

1.2 Training and Development

• More effective / efficient use of resources
• Reduced costs of training for participants
• Increased profile of development / training in the workforce
• Increased partnership working

1.3 Occupational Health

• Reduced unit cost resulting from economies of scale
• Better understanding of trends as a result of multi-organisational evaluation

Estimated financial projections

2005 / 2006 - £750,000

2006 /2007 - £250,000

2007 / 2008 - £200,000

Notes

1) The project costs are based on estimates which require to be verified / justified should a stage 2 bid be presented.

2) The bulk of the cost in year 1 are related to the procurement and/or development of shared property for a training and development establishment and for a recruitment and selection centre.

3) The costs in years 2 and 3 are considered necessary to meet with new technology specification and purchase and to cover the costs of required consultancy and other training works.

Overall Project cost

£1.2 million

Estimated projected benefits

It is at this time difficult to specify projected financial benefits. This would however require to be done as part of the development case before a business plan was finalised. It is however anticipated that unit cost reductions in both training and recruitment will be achieved. Improved use of all resources and ways of working. The consequential benefits of joint working in these projects will spill over into other similar areas.

Is a pilot required - see guidance notes

No

Additionally: why is EG funding required

Additionality?

The ability of the partners to maintain current levels of service whilst promoting / enhancing service delivery through joint working requires significant start up costs.

The cost of merging technologies and the furbishment of buildings for joint use are also items of additional expenditure.

Does this project complementary in any way to other EG work

Is "stage 2 development funding," requested?

Yes.