Case study – Somerset

Previous position – why was the bid made? Development areas and key indicators
The bid resulted from the change in approach brought about by the CAA, in terms of joint, area-based assessment.
Partners across Somerset agreed that there was a fundamental gap in terms of how the totality of output and outcomes between partners were self-evaluated – the gap being, that there was no area self evaluation.
The process of producing an all encompassing and truly meaningful self evaluation was a substantial body of work, which no partner had the capacity or neutrality to undertake, hence the bid to RIEP for support.
Details about what was done, the method/process
Partners jointly determined a brief and jointly appointed a suitable person to the project.
The appointee then worked with each partner to capture a comprehensive ‘compendium’ of outcomes and case studies, using the Somerset Sustainable Community Strategy (hereafter ‘SSCS’) as a focus.
The full compendium was then circulated to stakeholders, used by the Audit Commission as key evidence in reaching their YR1 CAA conclusion, and an Executive Summary was produced as a more accessible public facing document.
The position now – key areas where progress has been made, quantifiable benefits achieved through the funding (2 – 3 examples)
·  It provided assurance to partners and citizens that the necessary improvements were being delivered, using the SSCS as a focus.
·  It provided assurance to partners that the Audit Commission were basing their conclusions of comprehensive evidence.
·  The work was commended by individual partners, the Audit Commission and the Somerset Strategic Partnership.
What SW RIEP money was spent on and why?
RIEP money used:
·  to fund the consultant appointed to undertake the work on behalf of partners.
·  to fund an IDeA Consultant to provide an independent ‘critique’ of the work being done (throughout the process, from the outset), in order to assure partners that the self-evaluation was sufficiently challenging and robust
·  For the production of the final documentation.
Without the funding from RIEP, this important piece of work could not have been produced.
Key learning
·  Importance of defining the project scope up front and to focus on areas of priority rather than everything the partnership does.
How can people find out more about what has been done? Key contacts,
Documentation can be found on the Somerset Strategic Partnership Website www.somersetstrategicpartnership.org.uk or contact:
Anne Bullied on 01823 338281 or email
Amy Shepherd 01823 355634 or email
Reports
Next steps
The decision as to whether to produce an updated version for 2009/10 has been clouded by the abolition of the CAA – Partners await clarity from the Secretary of State of LG on this matter.