Finding ways to respond to changes in the operating environment is part and parcel of running public, private and third sector organisations. Uncertain economic conditions and tight public sector budgets make this task ever more important.
To make the most of their resources, organisations need to align resources with priorities, and ensure that structures and processes are as efficient as possible. In a rapidly changing world, the options for how best to prioritise, commission and then manage activity need to be reviewed continuously.
SQW has considerable experience in supporting organisations operating at national, regional and local levels understand and respond to the challenges they face and the options they have. In particular, we have helped clients understand economic, social and environmental changes and what these mean for them and the people they work for. We have also worked with clients to understand how best to engage individuals, communities and partner bodies in the design, commissioning and management of public services.
Areas where SQW can add value to clients include horizon scanning, prioritisation, business reviews, organisational, re-structures, governance, and exit/succession strategies from public funds. SQW also works with other consultancies in order to meet our clients’ needs, including PA Consulting and the Office for Public Management.
Examples of projects
University Internationalisation Business Plan – Project Management for Development and Coordination
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) was established following the merger of the Surrey and Kent Institutes of Art and Design. It achieved University status in 2010. The UCA wished to implement a new internationalisation strategy including a significant increase in the number of foreign students. SQW was commissioned to develop options for structure and organisation and to prepare a business and implementation plan for the strategy.
Learning Difficulties and Disabilities Personalisation Agenda/Holistic Curriculum Pilot
SQW was commissioned by East Sussex County Council to provide support to set-up and implement a post-16 personalisation pilot for young learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LDD). The work, which was undertaken in conjunction with the Council for Disabled Children, sought to further the Council’s Raising Participation Age related work and to test the use of the Young People’s Learning Agency draft Learning for Living and Work Framework. The Framework was intended to support young people with special educational needs and disabilities from Year 9 at school in the transition onto their next step through the use of a person-centred planning approach.
Edinburgh City Region – Project Management Support
SQW was commissioned by the Council’s Economic Development Unit to provide project management support for the development of an Economic Review and new Economic Strategy for the Edinburgh city region. Our support involved developing work packages, providing content for the review, developing strategic options for the strategy and carrying out the Strategic Environmental Assessment pre-application process.
Lifeline Trustee Review
SQW was asked to carry out a governance review of the Lifeline Project, a national charity based in Manchester. We carried out in-depth interviews with trustees and senior staff, and built a close advisory relationship. Using a good governance model developed from previous work and current good practice, we tested out processes, competences and opportunities for developing governance approaches to scrutiny, leadership and business development, and the reporting required to enable effective delivery of governance functions.
Implementation Support for the Sustainable Community Strategy
Following SQW’s development of One Nottingham’s new long-term Sustainable Community Strategy 2020, we were re-appointed to support the City Council and One Nottingham with the implementation process. The role involved acting as a critical friend to the council’s Corporate Leadership Team as plans were developed, and providing expertise in helping the partnership develop an integrated approach to neighbourhood working across the city.
Organisation Review for Science City York
Following earlier projects assessing York’s significance as an economic driver, and the land and property implications arising from the growth of knowledge-based activities, we worked with a high-level regional and local stakeholders group to develop a more formal organisational structure for this successful partnership initiative. A company limited by guarantee was created, allowing the stakeholders and delivery team to widen the role played by Science City York, engaging as appropriate in Leeds City-Region and across Yorkshire and the Humber.
Options for Local Authority Economic Regeneration Functions
SQW was commissioned to develop options relating to the economic development and regeneration function within the new unitary authority in Shropshire. Our work involved an intensive period of consultation with politicians from the five districts and the former county council, and wider stakeholders. A series of workshops followed at which the purpose and aims of the new body were considered and agreed. Subsequently, we developed a series of options for implementation. Our work was informed by the provisions of the Lyons Report and the Sub-National Review of Economic Development and Regeneration, both of which were materially important to the exercise.
Asset Transfer Unit Evaluation
SQW was appointed to evaluate the work and impact of the Asset Transfer Unit (ATU) over their first two years of operation. The ATU is operated by the Development Trusts Association in partnership with Communities and Local Government and other stakeholders, and aims to promote the transfer of land and buildings from the public sector to community ownership and management. The evaluation involved a national survey, case studies, action learning, regular reports and capacity building of the ATU.