seisin

Key Assignment Features

Outcomes

· Managing change effectively - with a clear mandate from the Executive Team and Councillors

· Programme Management Approach – for such a challenging work programme it is essential to have a common structure and methodology for a number of teams to work within

· Communication is key – Supporting the pace of change demanded by the Programme Objectives required effective communication and stakeholder management at all times

Central Bedfordshire Council - Your Space Change Programme

Better space utilisation
Reduction in number and cost of offices accommodation
Introducing modern property and ICT infrastructure to support more flexible working

Taking on the Programme Manager role, with support in the PMO function from other Seisin staff, we lead a team of multi-disciplined professionals across a range of specialist areas including property & facilities, ICT applications & infrastructure, HR, finance, procurement, communications, to deliver a significant change programme for the newly created unitary Central Bedfordshire Council.

This included generating significant revenue savings through rationalising office accommodation across Bedfordshire, co-locating teams that were previously spread across the county, and overseeing investment in ICT to improve ease of use and reduce maintenance & support needs. Additionally the new council has now taken pro-active steps to move frontline services closer to the communities they serve.

The programme was designed and implemented within a formal governance structure using recognised, best practice methodology for managing complex programmes of activity. This includes the establishment of key roles and reporting lines through a Programme Board with applications of the principles of MSP and PRINCE2. The successful delivery of the programme in Summer 2010 will provide new and improved infrastructure for the council to continue its journey of building its own identity, culture and ways of working following the re-organisation of local government in Bedfordshire in 2009.