Public Sector Contracts
We are experts in providing solutions to Local
Authorities and other Public Service bodies in respect of strategic analysis
and planning together with scoping, feasibility and assessment reports.
We have undertaken performance
improvement projects following inspection reports by the Audit Commission
under Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) and the Adult Learning
Inspectorate for Self Assessment and under the Common Inspection Framework
relating to Work Based Learning.
Some of our latest contracts include:
South
Tyneside MBC – Mapping exercise covering Employment, Enterprise and Land &
Buildings for STEP (South Tyneside Enterprise Partnership) The project
involved substantial research with face to face and telephone interviews to
establish the business support activities that were being offered by all
agencies throughout the area. The report was updated in December 2004 with
recommendations as to how this information could be used in an electronic
database to be made available to the public.
South
Tyneside MBC - Following on from the above we were appointed to undertake a
research project seeking feedback from key business and community
stakeholders to establish a Skills Centre as part of the South Tyneside MBC
Transformational Plan.
LSC
Tyne and Wear - Sub-contracted to undertake a project to report on the
education and skills opportunities for young engineers in the North East.
Appointed as Project Manager to co-ordinate the mapping exercise as to the
existing schemes and training available and provide a recommendation as to
future funding to entice young people into this vocation. This project
required substantial face-to-face interviews with a number of training and
other providers. Research was also undertaken into the funding available
across the sector from both private and public bodies and from associations
and professional bodies.
Durham
City Council – worked on developing a strategic business planning framework
and comprehensive guidance notes that could be used as a template in the
future to meet the requirements of the Audit Commission,. As part of this
process we ran workshops on analysis techniques and gave guidance on setting
strategic objectives and the formulation of action plans to meet both Best
Value and Comprehensive Performance Assessment. We also formulated specific
Business Plans for the Internal Audit and Leisure Services Sections and
provided recommendations on the Management Information Systems and the
Quality Initiatives that could assist the Council to improve their strategic
planning.
LSC
Tees Valley – acted as Lead Consultant in a Quality Improvement Programme
with the main objective being to improve performance and efficiency in the
programmes offered by Training Providers. This has involved advice and
guidance on strategic planning, development of quality systems, financial
management and budget preparation together with performance appraisal
systems. Following changes in the ALI Inspection methods we also worked on a framework that can be utilised as part of
the annual self-assessment process.
Northumberland County Council - contracted as
a specialist Anti Fraud Auditor to raise awareness of fraud issues across
the County Council and liaise with appropriate prosecuting authorities, for
example the Crown Prosecution Service and the NHS Counter Fraud Service.
Responsible for fraud investigations and the provision of training across
the Council including fraud indicators, investigation and interview
techniques and common fraud areas. As part of this role I have been
appointed an Associate of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
One North East - appointed under subcontract
to act as Lead Consultant to provide training and consultancy services to
the new Durham, Teesside, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear Area Tourism
Partnerships under an initial induction programme. This involved specific
advice on Directors responsibilities, Business and Marketing planning and
strategic analysis of the Area Tourism Management Action Plans.
Commercial work with SMEs – as part of the work undertaken in the private
sector we have also provided advice and guidance on the funding available to
SMEs from local government, central government and European sources. This
has involved the formulation of appropriate business plans and funding
proposals for financial packages including:
Local
Authority Grants
DTI grants under RSA and REG
DTI loans under the SFLGS Initiative
SMART Initiatives and awards
Applications under NERIF and Northern Enterprise equity
Assessment of applications under ERDF and ESF
This is an area of our business that is
expanding and if you have a project please contact us for a competitive
quotation either on a fixed price or daily rate basis.
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