Transformation through Collaboration
Falkirk Council is exploring ways to work more closely with Clackmannanshire Council and other partners to make services more sustainable and protect what matters most to our communities.
Additionally, where there are willing partners, such an approach potentially builds greater resilience, service and financial sustainability as well as enables the maximisation of the potential benefits of economies of scale. On this basis, the emerging model seeks to provide a platform for future collaboration and integrated service delivery models.
Joint work got underway in March with PwC to explore collaboration models where potential savings could be made. This initial phase is now complete.
A report on this work will be discussed by elected members at the Council meeting on 27 November. It will provide an update on the work already undertaken and seek approval to move a set of Tranche 1 projects to development and design stage – not implementation.
At this stage, no changes are being made to how we deliver services or to any roles. The next phase is about designing and testing ideas looking at alternative delivery models through other local authorities and wider partner organisations.
Any future proposals would come back to Council for decision and would include full consultation with staff and Trade Unions.
This work is part of the Council’s drive for financial sustainability. Both Councils will be looking at how services could be delivered together, by sharing some systems or processes with other councils and other partners, reducing duplication and making better use of resources. This will help protect local services and jobs in the long term.
To support this, the Scottish Government has awarded up to £2 million of “Invest to Save” funding, which will cover the cost of developing detailed business cases and provide additional capacity where needed.
Regular updates will be available as work develops. If you have any questions, speak with your manager or check the Transformation through collaboration pages for the latest information.
Key points to remember
- No immediate changes to jobs or structures
- This stage is about design and exploration, not implementation
- The goal is to protect services and improve long-term sustainability
- Staff and Trade Unions will be involved throughout.
Kenneth Lawrie, Chief Executive, Falkirk Council said:
We know change can cause uncertainty but this stage is about exploring ideas - not making decisions.
“Working together with other Councils could help us protect services and jobs in the years ahead.
“We’ll keep everyone informed as this work develops and make sure staff and Trade Unions are involved every step of the way.
Chief Executive, Clackmannanshire Council Nikki Bridle said:
The trend towards collaborative delivery models is now very much part of the public sector landscape, but I realise that this report will cause uncertainty for staff.
"I would like to reassure the whole workforce, that councillors are only being asked to allow officers to investigate and prepare business cases at this stage.
"Working more closely with Falkirk Council and other partners could save us a lot of money, but it is not just about money. Collaborative delivery models could make us more resilient, more flexible and better prepared to face the challenges of the future.