WIN aims to deliver a one-stop-shop to waste officers and Members across local authorities in England. This national service provides a wealth of information, guidance, advice and case studies so councils can find examples of work that has really delivered improvements and efficiencies. Additionally, WIN provides access to a wide range of FREE services focussing on self-assessment, improvement and sector-led support. FIND OUT MORE AT www.win.org.uk or contact win@southeastiep.gov.uk 2010-02-22T16:55:58+00:00 812 14 Category the-waste-improvement-network-launches-new-services-and-website

The hugely popular Waste Improvement Network (WIN) has re-launched their website and are now able to offer a wide range of services to help local authorities improve and achieve efficiencies.

2010-02-22T16:57:10+00:00 The new Streetscene & Open Space benchmark builds upon the success of the hugely popular Waste Services Benchmark (www.win.org.uk/benchmark) and is a free, easy-to-use, national online service that helps councils identify areas for improvement by comparing against a benchmark which reflects the range of practice across the country. The online service aims to covers all aspects of the Streetscene and Open Space sector within local authorities from strategic planning and performance indictors, through to managing litter, graffiti and parks. The on-line facility also provides advice and support to deliver an improved and more efficient service. Authorities can access their FREE online account by emailing win@southeastiep.gov.uk and requesting their introductory session to the benchmark service. This national service from WIN is delivered by Improvement Efficiency South East, the region’s improvement and efficiency partnership. Councils who have tested the benchmark have said, “It captures the latest research and government guidance on street scene planning and maintenance, including the more difficult 'cross cutting' areas which are so important in delivering a joined up service. As such, I feel that it could become a very useful and valuable tool for any authorities that wish to evaluate and improve their street scene services.” As financial pressures on local authorities look set to increase, identifying and acting upon opportunities to save becomes vital. The Streetscene and Open Space Benchmark is another opportunity from WIN for councils to identify areas for improvement that will represent significant savings. Steve Brant from Wyre Forest District Council said “WIN’s Waste Services Benchmark is another useful resource from the people at WIN. This network is a must for waste professionals." ENDS For more information please contact Alice Roberts, Programme Manager, Waste Improvement Network on alice.roberts@southeastiep.gov.uk 07912 097 995 2010-02-11T13:21:47+00:00 811 14 Category new-national-streetscene-and-open-space-benchmark-launched-councils-to-see-how-they-measure-up

A new online national benchmarking service developed by local authorities, for local authorities, is to be launched by the Waste Improvement Network (WIN) and the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE).

2010-02-11T13:21:47+00:00 The Waste Improvement Network, or WIN, (www.win.org) delivered by Improvement and Efficiency South East (IESE) has been working with ESPO - the Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation, WRAP, the Better Tomorrows community interest organisation and with local authorities to procure the national home composting framework agreement which is being launched today. The EU compliant contract has been designed to replace the WRAP home composting scheme which ended in September 2009. It is available for all councils in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to use, and enables residents to order directly from the supplier, Straight, thus requiring minimal management from councils. Straight will be providing a ‘complete solution’ which includes supply, delivery and communications material such as leaflets which can be tailored to include information and logos specific to individual councils’ needs. Additional publicity materials can be bought in if required. Purchasing through the framework means that councils do not have to undertake their own tender process, saving time, money and benefiting significantly from economies of scale. Under the WRAP scheme a 220l compost converter was priced at £27 inclusive of VAT which included delivery and marketing support materials. By comparison, through the new framework’s managed solution schedule, the same unit including marketing support materials can be purchased by residents for just £11.91 +VAT plus £4.26 +VAT delivery charge per order providing a saving of around 30%. Provision has also been made for councils to apply a subsidy to the prices if required. WIN has worked with local authorities across the country throughout the procurement process to ensure that the contract meets the varying needs of councils. Marten Gregory, Waste Reduction Officer at Dorset County Council was a member of WIN’s local authority consultation group and commented “Through the consultation group, local authorities were involved in the development of the specification at a number of key stages, this meant we were able to fully engage with the process and really understand how the Composting Framework would work for councils.” In addition to composting units, the agreement also provides wormeries, kitchen composters and compostable liners. It is part of a wider contract which includes a comprehensive range of refuse and recycling products. WIN have been working closely with WRAP to ensure that councils will continue to receive assistance with communications and information. WRAP will maintain support and assistance through their Waste Reduction Advisors, Helpline, Website and publicity materials and the Recycle Now iconography will continue to feature on all communications material related to the scheme. More details, including how to access the framework agreement can be found at win.org.uk/compostingframework with comprehensive information regarding communications and publicity available from February 5th. 2010-02-11T13:19:47+00:00 810 14 Category councils-can-save-time-and-money-with-the-new-national-home-composting-framework

A new framework agreement has been set up to give local authorities a simple solution to providing home composting units, accessories and related communications without having to go out to tender - saving authorities significant time and money.

2010-02-11T13:19:47+00:00 Improvement and Efficiency South East (IESE), funds and supports projects in the South East, which facilitate efficiencies in local government. In their first year IESE enabled councils to save £22 million and is on track to save them £51 million in year 2. In addition, IESE has facilitated a series of service improvements across important themes including social care, construction, corporate transformation and waste resource management. IESE have seen major achievements in local authorities in the South East region. It is apt therefore that IESE have decided to recognise councils’ achievements with awards. The awards will be presented at a ceremony following the IESE annual conference on the 4th March at Church House Conference Centre, Westminster, London. The awards will be given to councils who have made a significant step change in improving access to valuable services for local people and demonstrating effective innovation in efficiencies and improvement. IESE Chairman of the Member Board, Councillor Paul Bettison, Leader of Bracknell Forest Council, says, "I'm extremely proud of what IESE and South East councils have achieved over the last two years of business and very much looking forward to rewarding the hard work of everyone involved at the awards ceremony. I think it will be an inspirational event for councils over the region and no doubt will be a great motivator for continuing the great work in the future." For more information, please contact Teresa Skinner: teresa.skinner@southeastiep.gov.uk 01883 732 957 2010-01-28T15:50:13+00:00 805 18 Category iese-to-host-awards-ceremony-for-councils

2010-02-04T10:43:25+00:00 South Bucks recently launched "Getting Our Message Across" with the help of IESE funding from the MKOB partnership. The project enables them to display messages on a fleet of refuse collection vehicles in order to better communicate with their community in a timely and relevant fashion. The vehicles visit all streets and areas at least fortnightly and the system allows the council to choose messages that are appropriate to various geographical areas given their knowledge of the deomgraphic. Frequent messaging of this nature is proving to be highly effective in achieveing high coverage and maximum imapct. The first messages were to publicise a high-profile anti-benefit fruad campaign, and the  next set will help to launch a new waste minimisation campaign. Council departments have the opportunity to use the panels and it is expected that they will also be utilised by the elections team. 2010-01-26T12:45:17+00:00 804 8 Category south-bucks-get-their-message-across-2

Targeted messages on refuse collection vehicles helps councils communicate effectively

2010-01-26T12:45:17+00:00 <P>The UK population is an ageing one. Since 1983, there has been an increase of 1.5 million people aged 65 and over, compared to a 2% drop in under-16s . The fastest increase has been in the number of people aged 85 and over, those most likely to become vulnerable in terms of health, housing and independence. </P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>It has therefore become crucial for central and local government to demonstrate an understanding of their ageing populations’ needs through policy and strategy that reflects those needs. To ensure that communities and councils can provide homes, communities and services for the increasing number of older (and frequently vulnerable) adults has become a national priority.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>In response to this cultural change in local government and to the government’s national strategy, Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods - A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society , Berkshire Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (BIEP) has overseen a strategy to ensure that all homes built privately and publicly in Berkshire will, from now on, be built with elderly people in mind. The report, entitled <A href="/uploads/files/Positive%20planning%20for%20an%20ageing%20society.pdf" target=_blank>Positive Planning for an Ageing Society is available in full here</A>.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>This change in perspective, and its subsequent consequences, cannot be underestimated. New homes are frequently built with only first-time buyers in mind. Future homes in Berkshire will be built with an assumption that at some point older people will inhabit them. </P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>Narrow stair-cases and doorways may go unnoticed by a twenty-something couple moving into their first home, but to an elderly person, these easily-avoided construction issues could mean needing to leave their home and rely on residential care, which is both costly to the tax-payer and debilitating to an individual’s independence.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>The recommendations set out by BIEP’s report will enable authorities to deliver national objectives for an ageing population. Whilst encouraging adaptability and accessibility in new homes, the 16-design standards within the Lifetime Homes National Strategy and the 11 statement of principles in this newly produced document provide a clear route for cost-effective new developments. Rather than adding additional barriers to new builds, the implementation of the recommendations should result in adding value and desirability to the homes.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>In addition to enabling elderly people to stay in their homes the document addresses the issues surrounding the creation of Lifetime Neighbourhoods across Berkshire.&nbsp; The recommendations seek to minimise the prominence of roads, thereby giving priority to pedestrians. Further to this, it requires new development to meet high standards of design in order to retain a sense of place and individuality within communities.&nbsp; It also encourages the management of public spaces enjoyed by the elderly and other groups in the community.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>The strategy, Positive Planning for an Ageing Society, has addressed the issues outlined by central government by creating a series of recommendations for new developments which will improve both the quality and the practicality of homes for the entire community. It will enable older people to remain in their homes and communities for longer, as well as encouraging the development and management of public spaces and pedestrian communities that can be enjoyed by all.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> 2010-01-14T00:00:00+00:00 801 4 Category 420 lifetime-homes-for-an-ageing-population

A lifetime solution for an ageing population’s housing issues

2010-01-19T18:47:23+00:00 <P>The UK population is an ageing one. Since 1983, there has been an increase of 1.5 million people aged 65 and over, compared to a 2% drop in under-16s . The fastest increase has been in the number of people aged 85 and over, those most likely to become vulnerable in terms of health, housing and independence. </P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>It has therefore become crucial for central and local government to demonstrate an understanding of their ageing populations’ needs through policy and strategy that reflects those needs. To ensure that communities and councils can provide homes, communities and services for the increasing number of older (and frequently vulnerable) adults has become a national priority.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>In response to this cultural change in local government and to the government’s national strategy, Lifetime Homes, Lifetime Neighbourhoods - A National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society , Berkshire Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (BIEP) has overseen a strategy to ensure that all homes built privately and publicly in Berkshire will, from now on, be built with elderly people in mind. The report, entitled <A href="/uploads/files/Positive%20planning%20for%20an%20ageing%20society.pdf" target=_blank>Positive Planning for an Ageing Society is available in full here</A>.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>This change in perspective, and its subsequent consequences, cannot be underestimated. New homes are frequently built with only first-time buyers in mind. Future homes in Berkshire will be built with an assumption that at some point older people will inhabit them. </P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>Narrow stair-cases and doorways may go unnoticed by a twenty-something couple moving into their first home, but to an elderly person, these easily-avoided construction issues could mean needing to leave their home and rely on residential care, which is both costly to the tax-payer and debilitating to an individual’s independence.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>The recommendations set out by BIEP’s report will enable authorities to deliver national objectives for an ageing population. Whilst encouraging adaptability and accessibility in new homes, the 16-design standards within the Lifetime Homes National Strategy and the 11 statement of principles in this newly produced document provide a clear route for cost-effective new developments. Rather than adding additional barriers to new builds, the implementation of the recommendations should result in adding value and desirability to the homes.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>In addition to enabling elderly people to stay in their homes the document addresses the issues surrounding the creation of Lifetime Neighbourhoods across Berkshire.&nbsp; The recommendations seek to minimise the prominence of roads, thereby giving priority to pedestrians. Further to this, it requires new development to meet high standards of design in order to retain a sense of place and individuality within communities.&nbsp; It also encourages the management of public spaces enjoyed by the elderly and other groups in the community.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>The strategy, Positive Planning for an Ageing Society, has addressed the issues outlined by central government by creating a series of recommendations for new developments which will improve both the quality and the practicality of homes for the entire community. It will enable older people to remain in their homes and communities for longer, as well as encouraging the development and management of public spaces and pedestrian communities that can be enjoyed by all.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> 2010-01-14T00:00:00+00:00 802 9 Category 420 lifetime-homes-for-an-ageing-population-2

A lifetime solution for an ageing population’s housing issues

2010-01-19T18:47:23+00:00 <P>Chief Secretary to the Treasury has today announced the publication of an action plan setting out how the Government will harness the £220 billion spent by the public sector on third party goods and services to support growth and economic recovery.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>The plan, published by the Office of Government Commerce (OGC), reveals how procurement will be used to pursue economic growth through three specific agendas of supporting small and medium-sized enterprises; encouraging apprenticeships, training and youth employment; and reducing carbon emissions. 95% of contracts are won by UK businesses, and ensuring this money helps support the UK's small businesses, our drive to improve skills and to tackle climate change will be vital to our economic future.</P> <P><BR>The plan also includes the announcement of a voluntary charter to be established between Government and key suppliers to further assist in delivering on these priorities.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>Progress will be supported and monitored by the OGC through the introduction of performance metrics, against which all departments will be expected to report regularly, starting in spring 2010.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Liam Byrne MP said "Government spends £220 billion on goods and services, 95 per cent of which goes to British firms.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>"As well as maximising value for money, the OGC's plans will make sure that Government procurement spending supports our small and medium-sized enterprises, encourages apprenticeships and better skills and reduces carbon emissions. </P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>"Government spending power will help to lock in the recovery by providing support and investment to the businesses up and down the country."</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>The plan, which the Government announced in the 2009 Pre-Budget Report, sets out future milestones including the creation of practical help for procurers to assess which priorities should apply, additional guidance and training programmes for procurement practitioners, and consultation with wider public sector organisations on how to apply the action plan more widely.</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>The Policy Through Procurement Action Plan can be downloaded via the <A href="http://www.ogc.gov.uk/policy_and_standards_framework_policy_through_procurement.asp" target=_blank>OGC's website</A>.</P> 2010-01-13T00:00:00+00:00 803 12 Category 419 govt-plan-to-mobilise-public-procurement-announced

Chief Secretary to the Treasury announces publication of action plan to mobilise public procurement in support of economic growth

2010-01-19T18:47:23+00:00 <P><STRONG><U>New entries to the contracts database open to Local Authorities</U></STRONG></P> <P><STRONG>New Frameworks for local authorities are as follows:</STRONG></P> <P><STRONG>ESPO</STRONG> have awarded a new E-solutions framework on behalf of PRO 5, see <A href="http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1976.asp">http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1976.asp</A><o:p></o:p></P> <P><STRONG>DCSF</STRONG> has awarded a new Publishing Delivery framework which is available to Local Authorities, see <A href="http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1973.asp">http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1973.asp</A><o:p></o:p></P> <P><STRONG>PASA </STRONG>has awarded a new Temporary Staff Framework, the Commercial Resources Framework, see <A href="http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1967.asp">http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1967.asp</A><o:p></o:p></P> <P><STRONG>Buying Solutions</STRONG> has awarded a new ICT Consultancy and Delivery Service, see <A href="http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1607.asp">http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1607.asp</A>&nbsp;and a new framework for payment cards, see <A href="http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1979.asp">http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1979.asp</A><o:p></o:p></P> <P><STRONG>The Dept of Health</STRONG> has added a new framework&nbsp;for IT&nbsp;Research, the IT Research&nbsp;Services Framework Agreement (ITRS) &nbsp;services,&nbsp; <A href="http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1932.asp">http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1932.asp</A><o:p></o:p></P> <P><STRONG>MOD</STRONG> has added a new framework for heating oil, entitled Gas oil, light and medium fuel oil, see <A href="http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1535.asp">http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1535.asp</A><o:p></o:p></P> <P><STRONG>Additions to the database</STRONG><o:p></o:p></P> <P>ESPO have added 2 existing frameworks<o:p></o:p></P> <OL> <LI> Vehicle leasing and contract hire framework see: <A href="http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1946.asp">http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1946.asp</A>&nbsp; <LI> Refuse Collection Vehicles, other municipal vehicles and buses, see <A href="http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1949.asp">http://www.ogc.gov.uk/contractsdatabase/list_all_contracts_1949.asp</A></LI></OL> 2009-12-23T00:00:00+00:00 1 12 Category 418 national-contracts-database-update

Latest contracts available to local authorities

2009-12-23T00:00:00+00:00 <P><STRONG><U>South East Quick Reviews</U></STRONG></P> <P>The latest reviews on commodities are now available for local authorities to view.&nbsp; The reviews are brief overviews of accessible frameworks.&nbsp; Where possible price comparisons were also carried out.&nbsp; The reviews are on the following areas:</P> <P>Bottled Water</P> <P>Library Books</P> <P>Signage</P> <P>&nbsp;</P> <P>For full copies of the reviews please <A href="/page.asp?PageRef=114">click </A>here.&nbsp; If you would like to know more please contact Manaza Qasam on <A href="mailto:manaza.qasam@southeastiep.gov.uk">manaza.qasam@southeastiep.gov.uk</A></P> <P>&nbsp;</P> 2009-12-18T00:00:00+00:00 2 12 Category 417 south-east-quick-reviews-available

Latest reviews

2010-01-09T12:55:22+00:00