At a Glance…
As part of Northumberland County Council’s (NCC) strategic ambition to deliver “A Better Northumberland”, we supported the organisation in undertaking a comprehensive corporate services review. The objective was to identify and realise sustainable cost savings across the Council while enabling more efficient and effective service delivery. The work formed part of a broader programme to close a projected £40 million Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) gap and was delivered during a period of significant internal governance review.
The Challenge
NCC faced a significant financial challenge, having identified a potential savings requirement of £40 million per annum. While an initial £14 million to £17 million in savings had been outlined, these figures required rigorous validation and further opportunities for efficiency were needed. The Council’s services were largely silo-based, with limited cross-functional integration, leading to duplication and suboptimal use of resources, people, and technology. In addition, the organisation was undergoing a complex and sensitive corporate governance review, which further compounded the operational and strategic environment.
Our Approach & Delivery
We worked in close partnership with NCC colleagues to develop a strategic business case for transformation under the “A Better Northumberland” initiative. Our approach centred on a cross-cutting review of corporate services and operational delivery, targeting key enablers such as:
Business Support and Customer Services
Human Resources and Employee Self-Service
Digital Transformation and Business Intelligence
Procurement and Strategic Commissioning
Community Engagement and Preventative Strategies aligned to Adult Social Care and Public Health
Strategic Asset Management and Facilities Management
We examined both corporate and service-line efficiencies, including Adult Social Care, Children’s Services, Environmental Services, Home to School Transport, and Highways. A robust, integrated programme of activity was delivered collaboratively with each service area. Key improvements were reviewed and approved by service leads, as well as the Council’s Finance and Governance Boards.
In support of long-term transformation, we also developed a bespoke Performance Management Framework to underpin evidence-based decision making and promote a culture of continuous improvement across the organisation.
Outcomes Achieved
Through this programme, we identified additional validated savings opportunities totalling between £18 million and £38 million per annum. These were in addition to the £14 million to £17 million of savings already under review, enabling the Council to make significant progress towards closing its £40 million MTFS gap.
Our work also supported a more integrated, streamlined approach to corporate service delivery, helping to break down silos and reduce duplication across departments. The introduction of a performance management framework further embedded strategic oversight and continuous service improvement, laying the foundations for a more resilient and efficient Council.
