Transformation through Collaboration: May update
The latest meeting of the Transformation through Collaboration Board took place on 13 May, with work continuing across all current projects.
The programme is focused on exploring how services across Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and Stirling Councils could work more collaboratively in the future to improve resilience, reduce duplication and support long-term sustainability.
Work on the Corporate Procurement project continues to progress, with further refinement of the scoping document taking place which should be finalised by the end of June. This work will look at opportunities to work more closely together on procurement activity, including shared contracts and ways of working across the three Councils.
The Board also agreed a funding bid to support additional recruitment within Finance. This role will help support the development work currently under way across the programme. Bids for HR and Organisational Development support are also being prepared.
Progress continues across all existing projects, with officers gathering information and developing business cases for the areas currently in scope. No additional projects have been added to the programme at this stage.
Work is also now progressing on the Procurement for IT in Education project. A lead officer has been identified and work will begin on developing the scope for this area. The project will look at opportunities around IT contract arrangements for equipment used by schools and pupils.
The second meeting of the Joint Staff Forum will take place on 1 June. The forum brings together Trade Union representatives, officers and Chief Executives to discuss progress and support ongoing staff engagement. This will be the first meeting attended by Stirling Council since the decision was made to join the programme in February. The forum will continue to meet quarterly.
A progress report on the Transformation through Collaboration programme will be presented to a meeting of full Council in June. The report is intended to update elected members on the work carried out so far and outline progress across the programme. It does not ask Council to make any new decisions at this stage.
Kenneth Lawrie, Chief Executive, said:
Work across the programme continues to move forward steadily, with project teams now developing the detailed information needed to assess future options.
“The focus remains on understanding where collaboration could help strengthen services and improve resilience over the longer term. Staff involvement continues to be important as this work develops, and we will continue to provide regular updates as projects progress.
Further updates and project information are available on the Transformation through Collaboration intranet page.
Staff with questions should speak to their line manager in the first instance or email collaboration@falkirk.gov.uk.