Performance in 2010-11: Efficiency
The CPS has a very good record in effective resource planning and management and in recent years has delivered more than originally planned in efficiency savings, with expenditure in 2010-11 97% of that in 2007-08.
Operational efficiencies have been achieved by implementing LEAN techniques through the Optimum Business Model throughout the business and by making the most of our IT infrastructure. Further savings have been made by continuing to make best use of CPS advocates in magistrates' courts and Crown Court. New procurement processes have ensured improved value for money and delivery of cost savings in expenditure on temporary staff, consultancy, recruitment and travel. We have recognised the need to focus resource on front-line delivery and are reducing expenditure on headquarters and corporate services. By 2014-15 expenditure on our headquarters will be 50% lower than in 2008-09.
In May 2010 London headquarters relocated to less expensive premises and introduced flexible working patterns supported by significant reduction in the ratio of workstations to staff. By maximising occupancy in the headquarters building the department has enabled the closure of other London sites over the next four years. The 8:10 ratio is now being implemented in all our offices and similar benefits will follow.
The outcome of the Spending Review means that the CPS budget will reduce by 25% in real terms over the period 2011-12 to 2014-15. Effective business planning and management, focusing on efficiency and cost reduction, will ensure that this can be achieved without sacrificing quality in any aspect of the service. All parts of the Service have robust workforce capacity plans that cover the full Spending Review period. These are fully aligned to enable future changes and improvements to the operating model.
The efficiency plans include the implementation of the CPS's Estates Strategy which will deliver a reduction in the number of small, uneconomic offices. Consolidation into larger offices will enable more flexible and effective use of resources, reduce costs and help us to achieve our Sustainable Development objectives. Consolidation will be facilitated by the move to digital working which helps achieve economies of scale and overcomes current geographic obstacles. Newly negotiated deals will bring savings from office consumables, facilities management and legal professional services.
We are working closely with Criminal Justice System (CJS) partners at national and local level to develop new ways of working to deliver the best, most cost-effective, service and to improve efficiency. This includes working with the police and our criminal justice partners to introduce streamlined case administration, better use of video facilities, and digitalisation of the CJS. We have also supported the Senior Presiding Judge in his piloting of an early guilty plea scheme.
