In house bid preparation
The challenge
The challenge of continuing to deliver vital services with less money is by now familiar to every local government manager in the UK. Many of the private sector consultancies seem to think that outsourcing is the way to lower costs. But all things being equal it is hard to see how a private company can save councils money whilst also making a profit for their shareholders. This is not to say there is no role for private companies in public services but they are not a panacea and a not a substitute for effective performance management.
Many in house service providers are now being asked to compete against the private sector to run council services. In order to succeed, they need to provide a strong and credible bid.
Our approach
APSE believes that true transformation needs to build up from an operational level rather than be imposed from above, but those working at that level also need to understand how what they do links to the delivery of high objectives. APSE works with the in-house team to develop an evidenced business case. This includes preparing the method statements and prices for this service.
Our expertise
APSE is the local government champion for in house service provision. We understand the value of public services but, because of our background in direct service delivery, we also understand the need for operational efficiency. The consultancy draws on the expertise of a large network of former practitioners who can often identify potential for saving that may otherwise have been missed. APSE has a wealth of experience in assisting local authorities in examining the current performance of their service and developing a business case for retaining an in-house service.
More information
Briefings
- 'This briefing outlines the new Best Value guidance issued on the 14 September and the ‘Duty to Involve’' Briefing 11/53 September 2011
- '‘Community Right to Challenge’ policy statement' Briefing 11/52 September 2011
Advisory Groups
Advisory groups are quarterly meeting free to all APSE members. Suggested groups relevant to this topic are:
- Service delivery models
- Service transformation and performance management
For further information and the date of the next group please click here.
Publications
- ‘Insourcing: A guide to bringing local authority services in house’ APSE January 2009
APSE blog
- ‘Insourcing Bradford’s Education Services’ Paul O’Brien, November 2011
Related services
Training
APSE offers a practical day training course designed to provide service managers with the right skills to look at all aspects of preparing an in-house bid. From ensuring the value of in-house services is recognised at the very early stages of developing an Options Appraisal and that the right considerations are given weight during tender evaluation, ensuring that they are capable of evidencing their success with performance information. Courses are tailored to specific service areas including leisure, street cleansing, building cleaning and catering. Click here to find out about forthcoming courses.
Performance Networks
Performance networks is a mature benchmarking service which allows for effective performance measurement across a range of vitally important front-line public services with 12 years of performance data available.
Contact us
For further information on consultancy services, please contact:
- Andy Mudd, Principal Consultant
- Gayle Gibson, Senior Consultant
- Davina Rai, Client Co-ordination Officer
Or telephone APSE on 0161 772 1810 for an informal discussion on how we can help you or about any of the other services APSE provides.
Our other offers
For information about other APSE consultancy offers, please use the links below.