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Shared Services in East Kent. Colin Carmichael – Chief Executive, Canterbury City Council. Original concept. Faced with possible 25% reduction in Government funding (now 45%) Frustrations with awkwardness of the two-tier system
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Shared Services in East Kent Colin Carmichael – Chief Executive, Canterbury City Council
Original concept • Faced with possible 25% reduction in Government funding (now 45%) • Frustrations with awkwardness of the two-tier system • Experience of how collaboration can be sabotaged by personal interests, wrapped up as risk assessment
However……. • A long history of informal collaboration amongst 4 East Kent Districts and KCC • Mutual liking and respect amongst Leaders and CE’s
The concept developed • Create wholly-owned organisation • MD reports to CE’s • One Council acts as the ‘nominal client’ • Target 5% savings per annum at current service level
Delegate decision-making from Councils and Cabinets to CE’s based on business cases, demonstrating how to achieve savings against set performance targets • Transfer services in annual tranches • Standardise terms and conditions
Problems, in hindsight? • Inevitable hitches • Distrust from those not involved informally • Slowing of impetus once ‘difficult’ services came into consideration • Shepway’s decision to withdraw late caused wobbles
A different model - waste • Collection by 4 Districts, Disposal by KCC • 4 different collection regimes, all handled by KCC as ‘receiving’ Council • Commitment to single collection model by Districts in contract renewals • KCC funded infrastructure + shares savings
The unknown future • Collaborative leadership important, but territory is always an issue • Joint CE for Dover/Shepway was a step too far. • Need for enough management capacity to make it work. It takes a lot of time! • Trust, trust, trust…….