The Scottish Government

Bid Number (for EG Use)

Lead Bidder

South Lanarkshire Council
Contact: John Gordon
Tele: 01355 806613
e-mail: john.gordon@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

Brief description of the aims of the project

• To develop the optimum model for a Multi Agency First Stop Shop, including back office support, which would be transferable to all Authority areas.
• To improve public access to services across all Public Sector Agencies.
• To reduce property and staff cost
• To improve the efficiency of service delivery through greater cooperation and access to information.
• Deliver savings in cost and time which can be redirected.

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

• To establish a consultancy led project group with a remit to determine the most effective model for a cross agency First Stop Shop.
• To establish, monitor and report on a Pilot Model(s) to be established in the first year of the consultancy.

• Staff Time

£60, 000

• Consultancy Support

£60, 000

• Software Development

£250, 000

• Building Refurbishment

£200, 000
(To provide reception and interview facility)

• Training

£25, 000

• Rent & Running Costs

£250,000

Partners to the project likely to commit resources

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

The agencies listed above have given support to the principals of the proposals within this bid. The NHS has been consulted at various levels and there is support for this project. Within Job Centre+ and Careers Scotland the approach is welcomed as a potential positive contribution to their property strategies. Strathclyde Fire has also welcomed the initiative to provide an outlet to Community Safety. Strathclyde Police, while having limited potential at present, see the location as a suitable outlet for Crime Prevention information. The proposal is considered likely to attract the interest of a number of other public and voluntary agencies and this will be explored as part of the pilot stage.

Evidence that suggested approach has been deployed successfully elsewhere

The model for cross cutting multi-agency has been developing over a period of time. Confirmation of this development is evident in recent projects, listed below, which have been sponsored by South Lanarkshire Council. This bid would provide a model which if successful would determine the model to be implemented for the East Kilbride Civic Centre replacement.

• Whitehill Neighbourhood Centre (opening June 2005)

NHS Lanarkshire

Police

South Lanarkshire Council

• Cambuslang Town Centre Regeneration (opening January 2006)

NHS Glasgow

Job Centre Plus

South Lanarkshire Council

• East Kilbride Civic Centre Replacement (anticipated 2009/10)

NHS Lanarkshire

South Lanarkshire Council

(partners to date)

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

None identified. The model is likely to be initially applicable to major town centres but would be transferable to neighbourhood centres as evidenced at Whitehill.

Benefits projected from the project

The initial benefit should be in the access and delivery of services particularly where the solution to customer issues rests with a number of agencies.

Specific anticipated benefits include

• Single access point to a number of agencies within a town centre location.
• Reduction in time in dealing with customer issues.
• Reduction in duplication leading to savings in staff time and property costs.

Estimated Financial projections

(Please treat these figures as indicative only)

Total

2005 / 6

2006 / 7

2007 / 8

2008 / 9

Overall project cost

£845,000

£720,000

£125,000

-

-

Total

2007 / 8

2008 / 9

2009/10

2010/11

Estimated projected benefits

£2,000,000

£500,000

£500,000

£500,000

£500,000

Is a pilot required - see guidance notes

Yes. It is proposed a pilot should take place to demonstrate the benefits and to allow the effectiveness to be monitored and reported. This would also allow the optimum model to be developed and proven before being implemented elsewhere.

Additionally: why is EG funding required

Funding is required to develop and prove the model in parallel to current service models and to offset additional costs in the short-term. There are also likely to be staff training and IT development required

Is this project complementary in any way to other EG work

This project is a good example of like minded organisations seeking to improve efficiency and effectiveness in broad areas of service delivery, through increased partnership approaches.

In addition, it reflects one of the priority areas for the Efficient Government initiative, namely support service reform. This project will undoubtedly stimulate significant changes in delivery of this important function.

Is 'stage 2 development funding' requested

Yes. The aim is to develop the optimum model for a Multi Agency First Stop Shop, including back office support, which would be transferable to all Authority areas. This will be achieved through a consultancy led project Group and the sum of £50,000 is requested to cover the initial consultancy including the drafting of the Business Case for Stage 2 Funding. (Note : Amount of £50k is included in estimated project cost of £845k.)