Integrated Services
Regulatory services can brought together either by the agreement of like-minded councils or, historically, due to centrally-driven changes to the structure of local government. In either case, the creation of an integrated team extending to all the specialized disciplines improves operational flexibility, eliminates duplicated efforts, and gives more options for staff development. It can also be used as an opportunity to increase consistency, for example by establishing a single contact point for customers.
When nine English unitary councils replaced 44 county and district councils in April 2009, LBRO worked with them to consider the way forward in terms of planning and service delivery. The formation of a joint steering group gave more capacity to manage the significant change processes required. This partnership approach helped to embed the better regulation principles within these local authorities, as well as generating some useful and pertinent insight. The learning is in the following project overview, practice examples, and help sheet including key lessons to consider.
Regulatory Services Leading the Way
In addition, representatives from the unitary councils gave presentations on various financial and service delivery challenges during a seminar staged by LBRO in October 2010.
Bringing staff together from across regulatory services and change management
Andy Goldsmith, Assistant Director Public Protection, Shropshire Council
Organising services on a cross-regulatory basis
Vanessa Griffiths, Regulatory Services Manager - Consumer Protection and Investigations, Cheshire West and Chester Council
Structures and systems at Central Bedfordshire Council
Maurice Clay, Public Protection Manager, Central Bedfordshire Council
Preserving outcomes with fewer resources: the financial dimension
Allan Hampshire, Head of Public Health and Protection, Cornwall Council
Mandy Bradley, Service Director - Public Protection and Community Safety, Wiltshire Council
Tracey Bettaney, Public Protection and Health Manager, Cheshire East Council