Local Government Professional Services Steering Group

What does the group do?

The Local Government Professional Services Steering Group (LGPSSG) works in 2 main areas:

• developing procurement strategies for consultancy, temporary staff and other contingent labour across the sector to achieve a 'joined-up' approach
• stimulating collaborative procurement and sharing best practice to support local government in achieving efficiency targets and improved services.

How can Local Authorities benefit?

Potential savings for Authorities during the 2008/11 period have been identified as up to £285m as a result of this initiative, with the opportunity for significantly higher savings if greater investment of effort is made. LGPSSG strategies to help Authorities to achieve savings include:

• sharing information and expertise eg information on available deals, prices and what works best, and collaborating with other Authorities
• working with suppliers, Authorities and professional buying organisations to develop improved deals
• adapting and tailoring successful initiatives used by other public sector colleagues eg the Consultancy Value Programme, including:

1. business case checklist
2. good practice governance and approvals process
3. pricing guidance
4. contract performance reviews
5. master class training

• encouraging an holistic view across an Authority's temporary resources including consultants,agency staff, interims and specialists to boost savings and contribute to better workforce planning and demand management.