What is the GO shared services programme?
GO is an exciting new programme which will create joined-up working between three Gloucestershire-based local authorities – Cheltenham Borough Council (including Cheltenham Borough Homes), Cotswold District Council & Forest of Dean District Council and Ubico (a Local Authority Company with Cheltenham Borough Council & Cotswold District Council) - and West Oxfordshire District Council.
The programme comprises a range of projects which will introduce shared working across the councils’ finance, HR, procurement and payroll functions. Sharing services will enable the functions to be provided more efficiently and will therefore generate savings for all of the partners. A centralised computer system called Agresso Business World – supplied by Unit 4 Business Software – will be used by all the partner authorities to enable the sharing of services. This will be known commonly as the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
What are the major benefits?
- Improved, user friendly systems
- Efficient and resilient service
- Cost savings
When will it all happen?
The programme began in November 2010. Forest of Dean District Council went live in January 2012; with Cheltenham Borough Council, Cheltenham Borough Homes; Ubico (Local Authority Company) and West Oxfordshire District Council planning to going live in April 2012; and Cotswold District Council going live in August 2012. For a detailed timetable of events see the Programme Information section of this website.
