Public Sector Consulting

We are experts in providing solutions to Local Authorities and other Public Service bodies in respect of strategic analysis and planning together with scoping, feasibility and assessment reports.

We have undertaken performance improvement projects following inspection reports by the Audit Commission under Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) and the Adult Learning Inspectorate for Self Assessment and under the Common Inspection Framework relating to Work Based Learning.

Some of our latest contracts have included:

Ø Mapping exercise covering Employment, Enterprise and Land & Buildings. The project involved substantial research with face to face and telephone interviews to establish the business support activities that were being offered by all agencies throughout the area.

Ø Following on from the above we were appointed to undertake a research project seeking feedback from key business and community stakeholders to establish a Skills Centre as part of a regional Transformational Plan.

Ø A project to report on the education and skills opportunities for young engineers in the North East. Appointed as Project Manager to co-ordinate the mapping exercise as to the existing schemes and training available and provide a recommendation as to future funding to entice young people into this vocation.

Ø This project required substantial face-to-face interviews with a number of training and other providers. Research was also undertaken into the funding available across the sector from both private and public bodies and from associations and professional bodies.

Ø Development of a strategic business planning framework and comprehensive guidance notes for a local council that could be used as a template in the future to meet the requirements of the Audit Commission.

Ø As part of this process we ran workshops on analysis techniques and gave guidance on setting strategic objectives and the formulation of action plans to meet both Best Value and Comprehensive Performance Assessment.

Ø We also formulated specific Business Plans for two specific departments and provided recommendations on the Management Information Systems and the Quality Initiatives that could assist the Council to improve their strategic planning.

Ø Quality Improvement Programme with the main objective being to improve performance and efficiency in the programmes offered by Training Providers. This involved advice and guidance on strategic planning, development of quality systems, financial management and budget preparation together with performance appraisal systems. Following changes in the ALI Inspection methods we also worked on a framework that can be utilised as part of the annual self-assessment process.

Ø Appointed under subcontract to act as Lead Consultant to provide training and consultancy services to the new Durham, Teesside, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear Area Tourism Partnerships under an initial induction programme. This involved specific advice on Directors responsibilities, Business and Marketing planning and strategic analysis of the Area Tourism Management Action Plans.

Ø Contracted as a specialist Anti Fraud Consultant to raise awareness of fraud issues and liaise with appropriate prosecuting authorities, for example the Crown Prosecution Service and the NHS Counter Fraud Service. Responsible for fraud investigations and the provision of training across the Council including fraud indicators, investigation and interview techniques and common fraud areas.