Welcome to APSE

APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) is a not for profit local government body working with over 300 councils throughout the UK. Promoting excellence in public services, APSE is the foremost specialist in local authority front line services, hosting a network for front line service providers in areas such as waste and refuse collection, parks and environmental services, leisure, school meals, cleaning, housing and building maintenance. We hope you enjoy our website.

APSE research programme awarded highest possible grade for its partnership work with De Montfort University

APSE and De Montfort University as partners in an Economic and Social Research Council Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) have been awarded an ‘outstanding’ end of programme evaluation, the highest possible grade for its partnership work on a series of guidance and policy reports specific to local authority and public sector issues. APSE National Chair, Councillor John Kerr-Brown said ‘This is a wonderful achievement and we are thoroughly delighted with the team effort between APSE and De Montfort University which has led to this prestigious recognition of our research programme.

You can view the latest research details, including those publications produced through the KTP programme.

APSE annual seminar 2013: The Road to 2020
Moving forward on frontline services
St George’s Hall, Liverpool 4-5 September 2013

Claim the date now for the APSE annual seminar 2013. This year’s annual seminar and AGM will take place at the stunning St George’s Hall Liverpool. As well as inspiring delegates in a renowned City of Culture the APSE seminar will explore both strategic and practical ways in which local council frontline services can move forward on the road to 2020.
Local council frontline services are changing but they are part of the solution to the future of local government.

Register your interest in attending.

Innovation on the frontline: How engagement with the local government workforce can improve service delivery in austere times

This research publication demonstrates how local authorities can encourage innovation among frontline staff and harness ideas developed 'on the job' for service improvement. The report based on research undertaken in partnership between APSE and IPPR North features case studies of councils that have benefited from encouraging their workforce such as Blackburn with Darwen’s innovation training which has led to initiatives such as an accident prevention scheme and Ealing’s environmental innovation programme which took on board ideas from street cleansing staff. Read More

Stronger resource efficiency for desirable communities; How local innovation in asset stewardship ensures a green and prosperous economy

Taking the lead on resource efficiency can cut councils' costs and boost local economies this latest APSE research report shows. The report highlights ways in which leadership on resource efficiency can reduce local authorities' operating costs and stimulate local economies. Local authorities spending £42bn a year on contracts, and councils have enormous scope to consider resource efficiencies in procurement as well as their day-to-day operations.

To read the full press release click here. Or for more details about the research click here.