The company has already carried out two pilot studies in roads and hospital discharge which showed there is room for improvement. The company will now teach Council staff its methods in order to help departments make the improvements themselves.

Council leader Councillor Jim Fletcher said: "The report last year by the Accounts Commission said that we were well-placed to further develop already good efficiency within the Council. The report said that we needed to move up a gear and that is exactly what Vanguard (Scotland) will help us to do. Residents will reap the benefits with more efficient services and from being one of the best councils in Scotland we plan to use this drive to make us the best."