News and events

Latest News and Events

Critique of Barnet Council’s Options Appraisal of Adult Social Care In-House Provider Services

The Adult Services option appraisal is limited in scope and depth of analysis and does not provide an acceptable evidence base on which to make fundamental decisions about the future provision of the services. The critique concluded that the options appraisal process is operating to a predetermined agenda, it is not comprehensive, nor in sufficient detail to examine the impact and consequences of the options. See Transformation and Public Service Reform for other reports on Barnet’s Future Shape project.

2010-08-06 12:56:21

FAQs of Barnet Council's Future Shape

A series of questions and answers about Barnet Council's Future Shape project, revealing what this transformation programme is really about.

2010-07-28 16:37:34

The Economic Case for In-house Options and Bids

Sets out a 12 point economic case for in-house options and bids. Prepared for Barnet UNISON where the Council is refusing to consider even in-house options as part of its Future Shape programme.

2010-07-09 15:43:44

Revised Employment Risk Matrix

A revised edition of the ESSU Employment Risk Matrix has been published comparing the risks of the Secondment, TUPE Plus and TUPE employment models. It covers changes to terms and conditions, pensions and staff consultation and representation. 84% of the risk for employees in a TUPE transfer are in the high and medium risk categories compared with only 8% for a TUPE Plus transfer and none for secondment.

2010-06-08 11:16:28

University of Leeds Economic Impact Study

Commissioned by the University and College Union (UCU) and UNISON, the study estimates that the University's proposed 35m pound budget cut by the beginning of the 2010/11 academic year will result in between 625-700 university job losses and a total UK loss of 1,187-1,330 jobs. It concludes that “a ‘world class university’ is also one that gives much greater attention to its economic and social impact on the neighbourhoods in which it is located and its role in the city and regional economy.”

2010-04-12 02:51:32

Good Practice Transformation Toolkit for Barnet Council's Future Shape

The Toolkit is based on templates for Service Reviews, Options Appraisals and Business Cases. Appendices cover soft market testing and key questions for options appraisal.

2010-03-18 19:14:58

UNISON Barnet: Future Shape of the Council Programme - Briefing No. 7, The impact and performance of management buyouts, social enterprises and mutual models

There is renewed interest in management buy-outs (MBOs), social enterprises, the ‘John Lewis’ model and other mutual forms of ownership as an alternative to outsourcing or ‘partnerships’ with private contractors. The Briefing draws on historic and recent evidence. These options transfer a service from the public to the private sector and is thus privatisation. The form of private ownership, for example whether it is a public or private company, a cooperative, mutual, social enterprise or some other non-profit organisational model is a secondary matter. The fact of the matter is that the ownership of assets and employer responsibilities will transfer to the private or voluntary/third sector. A procurement process will still be required, irrespective of an MBO or social enterprise option. However, the MBO/social enterprise option effectively means that there will be NO in-house bid.

2010-03-16 19:44:36

2010

2009

2010-02-01 09:31:11

Cardiff Council’s Transformation Strategy: An assessment and the case for a new approach to Public Service Reform

Examines Cardiff Council’s transformation ‘insourcing’ strategy consisting of four major strategic partnerships with the private sector. The assessment, commissioned by Cardiff UNISON, examines service driven verses ‘customer centric service delivery’, the lack of citizen and community involvement and the problems of top-down budget dominated transformation. It proposes an alternative transformation strategy that is substantive and sustainable, protects and improves the quality of service, achieves a better balance between transformational change and budget objectives, involves staff and trade unions in the transformation process and protects the quality of employment. Plus TATA Contract Strategy The briefing paper outlines a strategy to try to minimise the use of the TATA contract and to ensure that the Council, services, staff and the local economy gain the maximum benefit, if or when, the contract is implemented.

2010-02-01 09:10:11

One Million Climate Jobs NOW!

A report by the Campaign Against Climate Change trade union group which makes the case for 1 million new climate jobs. It explains the difference between climate and green jobs, how they will be funded, why and how the jobs will be created. A detailed report is planned in 2010. Dexter Whitfield, ESSU, advised on the job calculations.

2009-12-02 14:14:31