The document discusses the importance of collaboration for local governments in the 21st century. It notes that massive budget cuts, downsized councils, and efficiency measures alone will not be enough. Innovation through collaboration both internally between departments, externally between councils and partners, and with citizens is necessary. Examples are provided of successful internal collaboration reducing email traffic at Devon County Council, partnership collaboration improving performance and saving money through the Safer Sutton Partnership, and citizen collaboration crowdsourcing ideas for improving services through Kent County Council and Medway Council's "Transformed by You" project. The document stresses that collaboration is no longer optional for councils and explores the IDeA's role in sharing best practices.

1. Public Sector Learning Conference 12 May 2010 The importance of collaboration in 21st century government Rob Whiteman, MD of IDeA

2. The next 3 years in local government will be characterised by the following…..

3. Massive budget cuts

4. Downsized councils in terms of headcount won't get you very far

5. A real need to do better for less

6. Efficiencies can only get you so far...

7. Innovation = change = collaboration.

8. Why collaboration? Collaboration between councils isn’t optional any more. Why? 1. Lack of money 2. Effectiveness

9. Why collaboration? 3. Service improvement 4. Engagement with citizens, partners, service providers

10. Collaboration really works! There are three elements to councils collaborating: - internally between departments - externally between several councils and/or other local partners - with citizens

11. Example of internal collaboration: Devon County Council piloted the use of social networking technology within the organisation to see what efficiencies could be produced several departments were involved in the trial

12. Results of internal collaboration: email traffic for those involved was greatly reduced less interruptive and more efficient method of communication

13. Example of partnership working collaboration Safer Sutton Partnership (SSP) was the first partnership to create a fully integrated police and local authority team under single line management.

14. Results of partnership working collaboration led to better performance management big savings SSP was awarded national Beacon status

15. Example of citizen collaboration Kent Country Council and Medway Council project called Transformed by You which saw citizens suggest ideas for improving local services using the internet

16. Results of citizen collaboration Prototype services by volunteer developers with input from non-techy attendees Projects to be assessed by the councils as to how they can best be taken forward

17. Results of citizen collaboration Prototype services by volunteer developers with input from non-techy attendees Projects to be assessed by the councils as to how they can best be taken forward

18. The IDeA’s role in this Knowledge Hub Sharing best practice Using technology Other relevant IDeA initiatives

19. Where does Learning and Development fit in? Our modern councils are about improving our people so that we can meet challenges through Smarter recruitment Talent management

20. Questions

21. Public Sector Learning Conference 12 May 2010 The importance of collaboration in 21st century government Rob Whiteman, MD of IDeA