© Copyright RH Environmental Ltd 2011
Regulatory Services Managers have the opportunity to begin leading the discussion on which service delivery option is best for their local authority and be ahead of change by empowering themselves with knowledge about the pro’s and con’s of the options and their likely quantitative and qualitative outcomes. RHE has the capability to support Regulatory Services managers with a network of specialists who have the knowledge and experience to assist in any stage of the process of selection through to execution. In an environment where local authorities are being pressed to do more for less with squeezed budgets it is important to carefully examine all options to deliver services. Once the options have been assessed, there is a process of procurement and contract signature.
From an in sourcing perspective net savings can be achieved by raising external charges, cutting operating costs with a reduced service scope, improving productivity with online tools or by outsourcing back-office services such as IT, administration or accounting. Benchmarking studies assist in identifying a range of potential savings although many local authorities operate in very different geographical and social circumstances. Shared services can also be considered as they are the next logical step in reaching for economies of scale.
Soft market testing to benchmark outsourcing against in sourcing and shared services outcomes can also be performed. The base against which the outsourcing savings are compared needs to be carefully constructed to ensure all internal options are built into the base for comparison. A further option, favoured by all political parties, is to consider spin-offs and management buyouts resulting in mutuals and employee owned social enterprises. A thorough option appraisal is necessary, as often there is political persuasion to go down a particular route without fully assessing the qualitative and quantitative merits of all options.
Stage 1 Option Appraisal
RHE can assist with option assessment and feasibility studies utilising our unique matrix approach including qualitative and quantitative factors.
Stage 2 Procurement and Selection
We can design and deliver the essential components for the procurement process, to down-select to the final supplier. Our expertise includes the ability to assist throughout the process of PPQ and RFP preparation, competitive dialogue and decision-making.
Stage 3 Negotiation and Contract Signing
RHE has advanced negotiating experience and can assist with negotiating to deliver the optimal contract including financial terms, SLAs and warranties.
Online Support Tools
RHE has pioneered the online RIAMS system, which is well placed to support current services or a shared service, outsourcing initiative or mutual. The system can retain the 'tribal history' of the local authority in the event that changes take place and ensure consistency. Case studies significant savings and a three-month payback.
