Specific peer challenges of key service areas

In addition to the free peer challenge offer, we are also able to offer more specific peer challenges for local authorities and often their relevant partners. We are offering peer challenges focused on driving improvement and improving efficiency in specific areas including:

• childrens services and safeguarding
• adults services
• fire and rescue
• community safety
• health
• planning
• housing
• diversity and equalities.

Again, these will focus on a high-level challenge and bring to bear highly-experienced peers in the relevant services areas. Each challenge will focus on issues identified in discussion with the local authority and its partners where this is relevant.

What others say

Helen Watson, Executive Director: Children and Young People, South Tyneside Council – Children's Safeguarding peer challenge, January 2010, said:

"It felt like a constructive and helpful challenge with much learning. The team were obviously of high caliber and engaged well with all interviewed. We had a very productive dialogue and planning session today with all partners on the back of the presentation. I am personally very pleased with the whole exercise and look forward to working with your organisation on the adult agenda too!"

These challenges will be delivered for a single upper-tier council, together with their relevant partners, and will incur a small charge. Some of these challenges can be delivered for two-tier authorities or groups of local authorities.

Contact

For further information about the peer challenge programme, please contact:

Paul Clarke
Telephone: 07887 706960
Email: paul.clarke2@local.gov.uk

Andy Bates
Principal Advisor
Telephone: 07919 562849
Email: andy.bates@local.gov.uk