Purpose

The current operating model of the Orbis
shared services no longer sufficiently supports the divergent
strategic priorities of the three partner authorities.It is
recommended that Cabinet approves commencement of staff
consultations on the preferred options for each service, noting the
options that have been considered as part of the review.

Content

RESOLVED:
 

That Cabinet approves commencement
of staff consultations on the preferred option for each service,
noting the options that have been considered as part of the review,
and a consultation period will last up to 45-days.
That Cabinet delegates decision
making on final proposals post consultation, decision making and
authorisation for any negotiations, and execution of arrangements
required to enable the implementation of the final decision to the
Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director of Resources (s151
Officer) in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance &
Resources.
That Cabinet approves funding from
the Transformation Reserve to fund one-off costs attributable to
the implementation of the final proposals.

 
Reasons for
Decisions:
 
·        
The reviews indicated that the Orbis Partnership has delivered
significant benefit and value to the Partner councils, however, the
current model is based on the premise of service standardisation
and insights evidence that this does not sufficiently support
divergent strategic priorities of three authorities
effectively.
·        
The reviews also highlighted some issues and risks to future
sustainability. To mitigate for this and to continue meeting the
local needs of each council, new operating models are
recommended.
·        
A preferred option for each of the services has been proposed and
there will be a period of staff consultation to further inform the
analysis.
 
(The decisions on
this item can be called-in by the Resources and Performance Select
Committee)