The adoption of Shared Services models is expected to play a significant role in delivering long term financial savings and driving up service quality and consistency across Scottish local government. Outputs from the Pathfinder projects undertaken by Edinburgh and Glasgow councils have enabled the develop ment of a generic diagnostic approach which will enable other councils to identify improvements which can be made to their processes and organisational models to reduce costs and increase efficiency. John Swinney , the Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, has recently approved the release of up to £4.5million in 2007/08 to give as many councils as possible the opportunity to learn from the Pathfinder projects and undertake the diagnostic into the organisation of front and back office support services. Letters were sent last week from the National Shared Services Board to Chief Executives of Local Authorities providing guidance and a proforma for completion in order to apply for the funding.

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Director of Shared Services, Improvement Service on 01506 775558.