Decision details

To provide an update on the Council’s achievements as a result of the introduction of the Vanguard method, including financial savings achieved and improvements in customer satisfaction and to propose that the existing contract be extended to allow for a further phase of works.

Works on phase four of the Vanguard interventions are well under way with further interventions proposed, however the contract with the Vanguard Consultancy is nearing its completion.  This most recent phase has focused on introducing the Vanguard method within the Streetscene and ICT Departments, as well as looking at purchasing and payments within finance and resources and the cash office function.

Significant lessons have been learnt from each intervention to date and new ways of working have been implemented, which have resulted in a more responsive, customer focused approach.  Services are being tailored to suit the individual customer, rather than using a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

The main purpose of the initial contract was to improve the overall customer experience; the interventions have however generated unplanned savings of £956,400 per annum, with further savings likely in the future.

Whilst the Vanguard approach is working well, there is a possibility that the rollout of interventions could lose its momentum as the consultancy contract nears its completion.

To keep up the momentum and to roll out the Vanguard method in further areas, it is proposed that the Council awards the Vanguard Consultancy a further contract extension.  This will enable additional interventions to be carried out with the advice and guidance of a specialist consultant.

The contract extension should continue to be viewed as a “spend to save” initiative, with additional annual savings expected as new ways of working are implemented.  This means that funds would be used from the spending reserve, with the reserve being replenished with any additional savings made.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees:

(a)       to waive Contract Procedure Rules in order to extend the existing contract with the Vanguard Consultancy; and

(b)       to fund the extension of the existing contract from the spending reserve surplus to be replenished by subsequent savings from further interventions.