15622 Enhancing Local Government Service Delivery

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular semester, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Handbook description

Local government's role in providing services has become broader and more complex over the last decades as community expectations have increased and other levels of government have devolved various functions.

The NSW Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework and IPART (Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal) recommendations for rate rise variations have highlighted the need for councils to rigorously examine their services to find productivity improvements and ensure 'value for money' for their ratepayers. More than ever, councils are looking for ways to ensure the mix and quality of services they provide are relevant to their communities, and are financially sustainable.

This subject has been designed to help meet these challenges through building understanding and skills in reviewing and transforming service delivery. After completing the program, participants are able to assist their organisations through improving service outcomes, reducing costs and generating additional income.

Subject objectives/outcomes

The aim of the course is to:

• Outline key steps in the process of reviewing services in local government
• Explore various service delivery models, including shared services, commercial and community enterprises, arms length entities etc.
• Give participants practical assistance in undertaking service reviews in their own councils
• Utilise expert presenters, case studies, simulations, groupwork and facilitated problem-solving

Contribution to course aims and graduate attributes

After completing the program, participants should have a clear understanding of:

1. Local government’s role in service provision
2. Changing community expectations and priorities for services
3. Drivers and motives for undertaking service reviews
4. Issues and implications for setting levels of service
5. Service delivery models such as shared services, community and social enterprises, joint ventures etc.
6. Legal and governance models for service delivery
7. A range of methods and approaches for conducting service reviews
8. Implementation issues for service reviews including resourcing, engagement and benchmarking

Teaching and learning strategies

Face-to-face classes will incorporate a range of teaching and learning strategies including interactive presentations, videos, simulations, discussion of readings and case studies and student groupwork. These will be complemented by independent student reading.

Content

The course covers the key process steps in conducting a service review. It also explores various service delivery models, including shared services, commercial and community enterprises, arms length entities, and public-private partnerships:

1. Background, Context & Service Review Methodologies
2. Shared Services, Local Government Businesses & Community Enterprises
3. Joint Ventures, Public-Private Partnerships, Outsourcing & Procurement

Assessment

Assessment Item 1: Attendance and participation in class

Assessment Item 2: Investigation on service delivery and review in student's council

Assessment Item 3: Group assignment on service delivery in councils

Minimum requirements

Satisfactory completion of assignment.

Required texts

There are no textbooks for this subject. Subject guidelines and relevant resources will be made available online to students, as will an online facility for communicating with peers and supervisors.