The purpose of this report is to update Cabinet on the progress of the Shared Services Programme, including an update on the development of Hoople Ltd.

The Cabinet Member Corporate Services and Education presented the report.  The following points were made in discussion:

·         The last update to Cabinet on the Shared Services programme was in July 2011.  The programme covers a wide range of functions.

·         In relation to Hoople Ltd:

Ø  The company was established in April 2011, with NHS staff transferring over in November 2011.

Ø  It has a strong new identity, the branding being driven forward by staff.

Ø  It has delivered on savings and made changes to structures.  Further restructuring is needed to realign services provided and streamline management.

Ø  There has been a lot of interest by the Local Government Association in Herefordshire and the setting up of Hoople Ltd, as it is the first of its kind in the country.  This will be the subject of a separate report to Cabinet.

Ø  The board will produce an annual shareholder’s report.

Ø  Performance will be monitored and reported through the corporate performance report to Cabinet.

Ø  Currently looking at the systems used to deliver services and how they can be improved.

Ø  The Managing Director of Hoopple Ltd informed Cabinet that the make up of the board was being examined and the non executive members.

Ø  Organisations outside of Herefordshire were showing attention in Hoople Ltd and were interested in becoming part of Hoople.

·         Internal Audit is a joint contract with KPMG, is saving money and providing a better service.

·         Through the Shared Services Programme legal services are being provided to all three partner organisations through the Council’s legal team.

RESOLVED

              THAT:

a)    Progress to date with the development of Hoople Ltd be noted;

b)    An annual shareholder’s report be produced by Hoople Ltd.; and

c)    Progress on the implementation of the remainder of the Shared Services Programme and the proposal to reappraise options for support services as part of the Root and Branch Review Programme be noted.