Glasgow City Council has signed a pioneering joint venture to improve services with public service providers Serco.
The Council’s Executive Committee agreed the 10-year partnership which will improve services for Glasgow citizens through joined-up, cost efficient delivery of first class property and Information Communication and Technology (ICT) services. This landmark contract is valued at £265.5m.
An estimated saving of over £70m is set to be achieved as a result of this ground breaking Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) agreement.
The LLP, seen as the first of its kind between a public sector and private sector organisation, creates a true partnership with both parties holding an equal share. The strategic direction is set by the Partnership Board, chaired by Glasgow City Council, whereas Serco holds operational control of the day-to-day services.
Duncan Mackison has been named as chief executive of the new partnership. He is relocating back to Glasgow, where he went to school and spent time serving as a Royal Marine. Previously he led the development of Serco opportunities in the Police and Civil Resilience markets. Prior to joining Serco, Duncan ran Health, Education and BPO businesses in other organisations.
He said: “Glasgow is leading the way, creating a true partnership between the public and the private sector to deliver services and improvements. I am looking forward to ensuring this innovative organisation delivers for the people of Scotland’s biggest city.”
Key benefits of the unique collaboration are:
Realising 20% efficiency savings by introducing first class ICT services built around strong delivery and performance management. Rationalisation of property and process improvements will also increase business effectiveness.
Introduction of community hubs – giving citizens fast and easy access to council services by bringing council staff into the heart of the very communities they serve. The hubs will also act as a focal point for regenerating communities throughout Glasgow, as well as reducing the council’s city centre office capacity by 35%. Importantly, this concept will bring environmental benefits through shorter journeys for both citizens and staff. New buildings will provide modern working environments with a lower carbon footprint.
Investment in employees by providing flexible ICT (allowing hot-desking and home-working) will help to ensure the very best services are delivered to the public over the long term.
Another distinctive aspect of this partnership is the employment flexibility it allows employees. Staff joining from Glasgow City Council can choose to either transfer to the employment by the partnership, or to continue to be employed by the Council whilst seconded to the partnership.
George Black, Chief Executive of Glasgow City Council, said: “Glasgow City Council is determined to provide the best services to our citizens while ensuring value for money. This radical new partnership will ensure that our customers have easier access to the services they rely on and help our staff to deliver those services.”
Kevin Lavery, Chief Executive for Serco Solutions, said: “For Serco this is a long-term commitment to the city of Glasgow. We will support and develop all employees that are part of this new partnership. We are looking forward to making a difference to Glasgow’s citizens, communities, and businesses.”
http://www.serco.com/