NEXT GENERATION WORKING : Building agility in local authorities
The Challenge
Local Government Shared Services (LGSS) provide services to Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire County Councils as well as a number of smaller clients. Wisework won the competitive bid to provide support to the two County Councils in a transition to “Next Generation Working”.
Both County Councils shared the same significant driver- the need to maintain and improve performance against a background of demanding cost cuts. But there were cultural and operational differences that required sensitivity and flexibility of approach. Cambridgeshire had a demanding short-term need caused by the closure of a building and the consequent transfer of a large number of staff to a much smaller space. Northamptonshire, in contrast, were moving towards a building rationalisation and construction of a new building complex for completion in 2016.
The Solution
In response to these needs we:
- Designed and delivered workshops for Cambridgeshire CC to a very tight timescale to help prepare managers to deal with the move by enhancing their skills to operate more flexibly and maintain morale in the process.
- Supported the LGSS training team to deliver “Next Generation Training” for managers. This involved both Subject Matter Expert training and support for delivery.
- Provided support for the project manager in building engagement with stakeholders.
- Designed Master Classes on new ways of working for Senior Managers
- Built an Ambassador programme ranging through designing the role, the specification for those selected and the ongoing operation.
- Led a major Launch event for Ambassadors, intended to enthuse and value them as well as equip them to make progress.
- Developed a toolkit to help managers and Ambassadors operate in the new way.
- Created a Team Charter tool and process to enable teams to agree the impact of their new ways of working, recognise the benefits and sustain them for the long run.