Activist Group

Doncaster Council - review of policy, performance and research functions

Activist completed a fundamental review of the operation and design of policy, performance and research functions across the Council. We undertook a comprehensive stakeholder engagement exercise, including workshops with staff, managers and the cabinet and interviews with the Mayor and other strategic leaders. We conducted an option appraisal of the structural options and recommended consolidating the disparate functions into a new Strategy and Performance Unit, reporting to the chief executive, and delivering substantial savings of £924K from a £3.4M budget. We also designed the structure and job roles for the new unit.

“As well as delivering a saving of almost £1 million the support from Activist helped Doncaster introduce a very different operating model for Policy, Performance, Partnerships and Research which became the Strategy and Performance Unit. Operational for just 2 years, the SPU has helped to make a real difference not just to the Council but also across our Team Doncaster partnership. The successful launch in September 2017 of our ambitious Borough Strategy – Doncaster Growing Together – is an excellent example of this.”

Havering Council – reviewing digital (business systems management and business intelligence)

Activist undertook a fundamental review of the Council’s digital strategy, and the way it was being implemented, engagement with managers and staff, looking at all the elements that contribute towards a successful digital environment: vision, governance, project and programme management, information governance and data management. As part of this work, we worked with colleagues across the council to create a set of digital vision statements which could be used to inform and inspire. Activist also identified the council’s key digital projects along with an analysis of how they should be managed within a new governance framework.

“Activist has done a really good job, stirring up conversations in a really thought-provoking way, uncovering key challenges that needed to be addressed and pointing out issues that should have been obvious, but weren’t. The report provided the evidence that we needed for change, identifying the most pragmatic way forward, given where we were.”

Libraries Connected - libraries in lockdown research report

Activist were commissioned to develop a research report exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on public library services across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Crown Dependencies. Our findings revealed the scale and scope of libraries’ support for communities during the lockdown despite physical libraries being entirely closed. They also highlighted some of the challenges and barriers which library staff experienced in trying to do more for their communities.

Our report’s recommendations set out to inform policymaking decisions about service recovery; gaps in provision and support for vulnerable groups; and strategic policymaking as government and councils sought to address the likely funding crisis and requirements to reconfigure local services.

“An enormous thank you for the work on the lockdown report. It was incredible how much was achieved against the clock! The report seemed to have a very enthusiastic response. It is not just me saying it’s a great report – you hit the jackpot by producing something of value to heads of service”.

Unsung heroes - library services in lockdown videos

Activist created a short series of videos celebrating the surprising (and often heroic) work that local authority library service staff completed in their responses to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, and the interesting new roles they had been taking on.

Watch the YouTube video series here.

“Thank you, it really captures some of the great things we do as a service!”

“Brilliant… Well done everyone, it really tells the story.”

“I love this… So proud to work with so many fabulous colleagues 🙂 You’ve done a great job.”

“This has now been viewed by senior management and our Portfolio Holder… and they all love it.”

“Everyone at our end is really happy with the video.”

Mendip District Council and Glastonbury Abbey - Town Deal support

Activist are providing Town Deal programme support for Glastonbury (total deal worth £23.6M), comprising a package of eleven projects focused on establishing the town as a leader in terms of ambitious economic growth, regeneration, cultural heritage and environmental sustainability.

The projects themselves together tackle climate change, grow the economy, reduce deprivation, improve health and wellbeing, enhance the local cultural offer and its branding, help solve local transport issues and seek to address Covid recovery.

Our work has involved developing an overarching Funding Strategy for the Town Deal programme and identifying local fundraising synergy opportunities. We are now helping and advising individual projects on their funding strategies and bid applications, engaging with potential funders, delivering the additional funding support requirements of Glastonbury Abbey and working with key Council officers, project leads, local businesses, partners and other stakeholders in the local community.

“We are very happy with Activist’s work and it has helped us take a more strategic approach to funding requirements and securing match funding for the Town Deal Programme, as well as providing support to Glastonbury Abbey in progressing their ambitious longer-term development plans.”

Haringey Council - the new Tottenham Library and Learning Centre

Activist developed the business plan for the new Tottenham Library and Learning Centre. This followed an engagement exercise with local voluntary sector organisations and a joint planning workshop. The business plan was based on a comprehensive assessment of need, opportunities and funding options available. The business plan informed the Council’s brief for a new Library and Learning Centre to be delivered as part of the High Road West Regeneration Scheme. A delivery partner has been appointed who will develop the new Centre.

“Activist led a consortium of consultants to promote a well organised and highly effective engagement process, working with the council and local partners, which informed a detailed and appropriate business plan to guide prospective bidders for the High Road West scheme. The quality of the responses to the procurement is a testament to the clarity and care undertaken to promote a business plan for the Library and Learning Centre with a specification which was both viable and flexible in providing a facility which will be sustainable for the coming decades.”

Barnet Council - evaluation of library service transformation

Activist conducted an independent evaluation of the impact of the changes made to Barnet Council’s library service over the last three years. The recommendations made in our final report successfully helped to inform Barnet’s future decisions about its library service.

Our work included in-depth analysis of data on the service; inspections of the libraries; and an extensive engagement programme which included interviews with people inside and outside the Council (including campaign groups) a survey, public meetings and focus groups.

“We were very happy with Activist’s work. The report has enabled us to better articulate the value of the library service in the delivery of broader corporate objectives.”

Erewash Borough Council - Levelling Up support for Ilkeston

Activist provided Levelling Up Fund bid support for Ilkeston town centre (total application worth £20M), comprising a package of three projects focused on vacant property regeneration, high street public realm refurbishments and commercial building frontage improvements.

Our work involved engagement with key Council officers, local businesses and property landlords, undertaking development appraisals, developing the economic cases and supporting financial information as part of an overall bid package working to very tight application timelines.

“Activist’s expert support helped us to move at pace to deliver our Levelling Up bid against an extremely challenging timetable. We were impressed by their knowledge of business case writing and capacity to grasp what regeneration outcomes we were seeking to achieve. Activist provided an experienced team of experts who were readily available to help. Importantly, they also understood local government and were adaptable when projects needed to take a change in direction.”

Herefordshire Council / NHS Herefordshire - Hoople Ltd, a new shared service company

Activist evaluated alternative service delivery models for the creation of a shared service for the support services for Herefordshire Council and Wye Valley NHS Trust. We supported the creation of a joint venture shared services company, Hoople, for corporate services (including HR, Finance and ICT) for Herefordshire Council and its health partners, designed to deliver savings of £33M over ten years. Our work included steering the creation and initial management of the company, the TUPE transfer and induction of staff; and the establishment of the new management and funding arrangements up until the appointment of the first permanent Managing Director.

“Activist provided excellent advice and skills in all aspects of this ground-breaking venture, including sensitive management of stakeholder relationships during difficult stages of the project. Their contribution was a key factor in meeting the deadline for the establishment of the joint venture company and in the initial realisation of benefits.”

2020 Vision - shared service partnership

Activist supported four district councils participating in the 2020 Vision programme to develop a shared approach to establishing a new partnership venture to take on most of the four councils’ staff. Our work on the project included undertaking an option appraisal; providing advice on interim management arrangements; and the development of a shared approach to commissioning.

“Activist worked with the district council partnership in the initial stages to give clarity to the vision for sharing and the extent of sharing. They worked with Members to achieve alignment on the extent of the ambition and this was fundamental to creating a strong basis from which to move forward in a spirit of partnership and mutual trust. The specialist and technical skills that Activist brought to the table, working with officers of the four councils, resulted in robust and deliverable business case and ultimately a shared service which delivered on both its financial and non-financial benefits.”

Merton Council - community trust feasibility study

Activist completed a feasibility study for Merton Council exploring the potential for moving a number of services, including their library service, into alternative structures, such as a community trust. The options were evaluated and the financial implications examined, leading to the services being kept in-house.

“Activist’s senior-level experience from working on a number of innovative projects means they offer you good, sensible and practical strategic advice. It’s tailored to you and pragmatic.”

London Libraries Consortium - developing a new three-year strategy

Activist were commissioned to develop a three-year strategy for the London Libraries Consortium to enable it to expand and deepen the collaboration between the partners. This included delivering engagement with stakeholders to assess the appetite for collaboration and a workshop to facilitate the co-creation of a new vision.

“Activist develop a very good relationship with the clients, thanks to their calm, but methodical, approach.”

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London Boroughs of Brent, Lewisham and Southwark - three-way shared ICT service

Activist provided support to Southwark, Brent and Lewisham’s three-way shared ICT service partnership, advising on the most appropriate governance model and facilitating the development of the partnership agreement.

“Activist worked with us to ensure that all three councils understood their expectations of the Shared ICT Service and what our differences and similarities were. They also helped us develop our governance model. All this was facilitated quickly and efficiently and enabled us to work productively across all three councils more easily than if we hadn’t worked with Activist to do this. It was very worthwhile and has created a strong foundation for us to work from.”

Maidstone Borough Council - leadership development on commissioning

Activist were asked to provide leadership development on effective commissioning for Maidstone’s senior management, helping to build a common understanding of the principles and processes of strategic commissioning. This was followed by an action learning set, helping a review team to apply a commissioning mindset to their project.

“Activist helped the team to understand that commissioning is much more than just procurement. We are now more consistent in thinking through what we want to achieve before we embark on writing new policy or designing future service delivery arrangements and have a structured process to decide whether services continue and who delivers them.”

SOLACE (Society of Local Authority Chief Executives)

Activist developed SOLACE’s Guide to Commissioning and Sourcing (“When the Salami’s Gone”) and other national guidance documents on commissioning topics, including “Towards outside in (Engagement and Innovation in Strategic Planning and Commissioning)”.

Activist project manage and support SOLACE’s Innovation and Commissioning Policy Network, producing regular briefings and managing its research programme. We have also provided training and masterclasses on commissioning and sourcing for SOLACE.

“Activist bring a unique insight and depth of knowledge to our policy work, particularly around commissioning. Their advice and involvement in discussions with Ministers and the civil service have been invaluable and important in sharing best practice across the sector.”

The National Archives - new vision, national guidance and training courses

Activist supported The National Archives to develop “Archives Unlocked”, the government’s new vision for the nation’s archives. We have also developed national guidance documents including “In a Spin” (TNA’s guidance on cultural service spin-outs) and the “Income Generation Guide”, and delivered a range of training courses to archives professionals across the sector.

“We really valued Activist’s incredibly organised approach to the work – including their ability to bring clear definition to complex concepts and processes, and (very importantly for us) to deliver effective consultation processes through meaningful engagement with a very wide range of stakeholders.”

Mid-Kent Improvement Partnership and East Kent Services - ICT commissioning review

Activist undertook a review of the current approach to commissioning the delivery of ICT projects within the two partnerships. We provided an independent assessment of the current processes and commissioning approach within each partner organisation, developing a clear set of recommendations to establish a framework where the commissioning of ICT services formed an integral part of each Council’s strategic planning process.

“Working with six authorities across two partnerships is a challenge but Activist were able to successfully engage stakeholders in a positive discussion about IT commissioning. Their experience and critical insight helped streamline our commissioning arrangements leading to more efficient use of IT resources across the partnerships.”

Tower Hamlets Council - commissioning, procurement training and planning

Activist provided training for Tower Hamlets Council’s cabinet and senior management team on commissioning and procurement and produced a report with recommendations on how to take a strategic approach to improving commissioning and procurement practice.

“Activist’s training really helped shape our thinking and our plans for effective commissioning and procurement across the council.”

Parliamentary ICT - development of new ICT strategy

Activist provided advice on the design and implementation of UK Parliament’s cloud-based ICT Strategy delivering improved service and savings. This included non-executive membership of their Strategy Board; advice on programme design; change management; programme reviews; user-focused service design; and coaching of key programme managers and directors.

“Activist provided a highly tailored and professional service to assist us to successfully deliver our extensive change programme in both technology and user experience.”

Essex County Council - planning for new ERP system

Activist were brought in to review the Council’s plan for the development a new Enterprise Resource Planning system. This included a review of the user requirements for the new system and an assessment of the procurement options. We assisted with the design of the specification for a new system and advised on the procurement process. We also supported the development of the business case, programme brief and programme plan.

“Eric and the team were instrumental in helping me move the debate on from a defensive position around legacy interests with Board level colleagues to recognising the value in a strategic approach to resource planning and management supported by technologies that can bring that approach to life. Their wider experience and knowledge across local government aided the discussion in ways that generic consulting had failed to do previously.”

East Herts Council - strategic review of procurement

Activist completed a review of the Council’s approach to procurement, including interviews and a management workshop supported by critical case studies of procurement exercises. We developed recommendations for the development of an ambitious commissioning and procurement strategy to reflect the Council’s objectives; and for strengthening corporate leadership of procurement and the Council’s procurement capacity. Our recommendations were adopted in full.

“10 out of 10. I can’t fault the timetabling and delivery. The report is easy to read. Overall, it’s been a very good experience. Would recommend you.”

Cheltenham Borough Council - leisure and culture review

Activist supported the commissioning review of the Council’s leisure and cultural services, conducting an option appraisal of alternative service delivery models before assisting the Council with business planning and the development of an outcomes-based specification for the services which were spun out into a charitable body, The Cheltenham Trust. The review was designed to enhance the impact of leisure and culture on the borough’s health and economic success, while delivering substantial savings for the Council.

“Activist supported the authority in preparing an outcome framework for its new Leisure Trust. The work they delivered was of a high standard and the consultants were good to work with and knowledgeable in the subject area.”

Bracknell Forest Council - transformation programme

Activist provided support and advice to the Council’s Transformation Programme designed to deliver £11M savings over three years by reviewing all the Council’s services using a strategic commissioning approach. Activist helped to design the overall methodology and governance for the programme. We also provided specialist support for reviews of the Council’s services, such as library, leisure, support services, arts, citizen and customer contact, parks and countryside, planning and building control services. The programme is delivering substantial savings without impacting on service levels.

“Activist’s support was invaluable in guiding set up of the programme and in providing a wide range of specialist advice and expertise on many of our service reviews. We are making savings while maintaining or enhancing services and the strategic commissioning approach has proved to be key to this ensuring that we take time to fundamentally review services.”

Click here to read more about our work on Bracknell Forest’s libraries project.

Strategy and commissioning