About CIEP

CIEP - Where has it come from?

Over the last few years Cumbria ran two very successful joint programs through Achieving Cumbrian Excellence (ACE) and Connected Cumbria Partnership (CCP). These two bodies also had regional links through NWIN (North West Improvement Network – the regional improvement partnership) and NWCE (North West Centre of Excellence – the regional efficiency partnership) respectively.

So why change the model?

The need for shared services has never been greater. Budget pressures and demands from our customers have highlighted the need to promote greater shared service delivery. ACE and CCP developed a productive working relationship in recent years and recognised that project delivery and the capacity for change demonstrated by members and employees is interlinked. 

We are not the only ones to recognise this – but we did influence the thinking. The Department of Community and Local Government (DCLG) identified this in the Strong and Prosperous Communities white paper in November 2006. The program of work was initiated through regional and sub-regional partnerships, to transform the way that services are delivered to our citizens. CIEP is a collaboration of the Districts, Lake District National Park Authority, Cumbria Constabulary, PCT and Cumbria County Council to deliver real improvement to the lives of the citizens of Cumbria through this initiative. 

What the CIEP Support Team cover

The CIEP Support team is a small central resource who support the creation of teams across the Authorities and other partners to deliver change through the CIEP program. The CIEP Support team has been created in recognition of the fact that extra resource is required to support change whilst also acknowledging that the knowledge and expertise to deliver that change lies within the Authorities and partners affected by it.

Funding for CIEP 2010-11

NWIEP will enter its third and final year of funding from DCLG in 2010-11 (their financial year begins 1st July 2010 and ends 30th June 2011).

NWIEP have had confirmation of their funding from DCLG of just over £8m for 10-11, of which 10% is capital. 

NWIEP Strategic Forum also made the decision to keep the percentage split between the sub regions and the region the same as it has been over the past 2 years at 60% for the sub regions and 40% held centrally to be used on regional projects.

We have had confirmation of an allocation of £503k for Year 3, which is slightly less than what we received for Year 2.This shortfall is a direct consequence of reduced funding overall for the North West.

Our intention is to make up some of the shortfall to the total received in Year 2 (£541K) some of which will be carried forward to next year. 

CIEP's proposal for Year 3 was received favourably by NWIEP, particularly they way that we have begun to address the improvement areas taken from the December 2009 CAA.

Governance

The CIEP Program Board  identify, manage and develop the programme of work and act as a forum to resolve issues, making recommendations on delivery to the CIEP Partnership Board. They act in a peer review ‘critical friend’ capacity on all delivery plans and business cases.

The CIEP Partnership Board  determine the overall strategy on sub regional improvement and efficiency. They provide guidance to the CIEP Program Board on all matters and receive regular progress reports on agreed projects.

If you require a set of minutes from an earlier CIEP Partnership Board Meeting, please contact Claire Mallinson on; claire.mallinson@cumbriacc.gov.uk