Scope and Phasing. With the exception of the strategic retained activity referred to above, there are some choices open to Councils in relation to the sharing of the services in-scope in relation to both the depth of scope to be transferred and the timing of this transfer. In considering these choices it is important that the risks associated with the implementation of a Shared Service as large as that being proposed are taken account of. The learning from the collective experience within the participating Councils and, the market sounding exercise referred to in Section 3 has strongly indicated that the implementation of the Xxxxx Valley Shared Support Service (CVSSS) should be carefully phased. This allows for effective learning at each phase, which accumulates over time within the implementation teams and supports faster transition during the later phases of the project. Participating Councils are also at different stages on their internal service transformation journeys, the outcome of which influences the ease by which services can be transferred to an external Shared Service. For example, it will be easier to transfer to the CVSSS a function from a Council that is already based on an internal Shared Service/business partner model, than one that is still devolved across a number of departments. This combination of the need for effective risk management and learning, and the need to accommodate differences in service readiness and strategic preferences across the participating Councils points strongly to a carefully managed, phased implementation approach. Clearly the timing of implementation has a significant influence on when efficiency savings are realised and when costs incurred. While the detailed planning for this implementation will need to be carried out by the CVSSS management team, certain assumptions on phasing have been made within the business case to enable the financial savings forecasts to be produced. Implementation would start with the re-design of process and development of the necessary ICT infrastructure, but following these preliminary stages, it is assumed that services would be transferred to the Shared Service on a function by function basis, with Councils being transitioned into the Shared Service on a phased basis.
