Local authorities lack transformation skills

Many local governments are well under way implementing initiatives under the Transformation Agenda outlined in the Varney Review published in 2006, but the majority feel they lack the in-house skills to deliver that transformation.

A survey of 102 local authorities found around 17 per cent don't think they will be able to complete transformation reforms for at least another year. Just under half expected to do so in the next six months.

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However 60 per cent of councils said spending on management skills training in terms of change management and process management was a high priority in the next 12 months, indicating a gap in that vital skill set.

The survey also found that 70 per cent of councils expect to be sharing some services with other public sector bodies within three years.

The research was conducted by Marketing Assistance on behalf of software specialist Civica.