News

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s innovative performance partnership with Northgate Information Solutions, a leading provider of services to the public sector and utilities markets, has radically improved transport services for citizens across the borough whilst delivering £600,000 of savings.

The far-reaching change programme to improve transport management and realise efficiencies across a range of council departments provides further opportunities for high-quality transport services for local communities, as councils throughout the country experience tough economic times.

Through a unique public-private partnership that links fees to performance and prioritises the transfer of skills to employees, the council is working with Northgate to transform a wide range of transport services for all citizens especially vulnerable adults, people with disabilities and children getting to and from school.

The programme has delivered considerable benefits for citizens and council employees in the first 12 months including:

- reduced reliance on taxis for adult day care passengers through improving the routing of existing vehicles, saving taxpayers £236,000;
- radically improved services for children with special educational needs and continued provision of transport to schools, through amalgamating existing services and delivering savings of £50,000;
- a full restructuring of regeneration and environmental services, and delivering citizens enhanced fleet management maintenance, garaging, spares and accidental damage claims, giving savings of £286,000;
- hands-on operational management and support to council employees, rather than just advice;
- a clearer understanding of the relationship between budgets, available resources and the needs of service users, supporting effective planning for the future.

The three-year agreement between Blackburn with Darwen and Northgate aims to build on its successes and deliver savings of around £2.3 million by April 2010.

Graham Burgess, Chief Executive of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said today: “We are delighted that our partnership with Northgate has transformed transport services for the benefit of the residents and staff at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. Through the effective and efficient use of resources, the council has radically improved services and will realise efficiencies across council departments until 2010 and beyond. Sustainable transformation is at the heart of our change programme, and our close collaboration with Northgate has delivered first-class services for citizens across the borough.”

Joe Bradley, Managing Director of Citizen Services for Northgate Public Services, added: “Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council is committed to a programme of continuous improvement that puts the needs of local citizens at its heart. In challenging economic times for local authorities, our performance partnerships deliver guaranteed outcomes at lower risk, enabling significant savings whilst radically improving services. Northgate is passionate about supporting the council to make a real difference to people’s lives, especially those in the most vulnerable communities.”

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For more information:
Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton 020 7395 1516; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com

Northgate Public Services today announces the appointment of Ian Noble as Chief Operating Officer, as the company drives to expand its programme in supporting public service transformation.

A highly skilled professional with over thirty years’ expertise, Ian brings with him formidable experience of organisational transformation following a distinguished career in operational management.

In his new role, Ian will focus on promoting a performance culture, driving through innovation and putting quality at the heart of the organisation. He will spearhead Northgate’s work to further expand its service capabilities following the recent acquisition of Anite Public Sector.

His appointment strengthens the company’s leading position in delivering continuously improving services to its clients and underlines its commitment to working in partnership with the public sector to provide modern public services which fully engage the citizen.

David Meaden, Chief Executive of Northgate Public Services, said today: “I am delighted to welcome Ian as the new Chief Operating Officer for Northgate Public Services. His appointment represents the company’s commitment to delivering radical and rapid improvements to our public services strategy at an exciting period of growth following the recent acquisition of Anite Public Sector.

“Ian is the ideal choice to help us continue to deliver services which meet our clients’ changing needs at this crucial time for public sector organisations. Northgate is fully committed to supporting public service transformation through innovation and the development of new forms of performance partnerships. Ian’s appointment will considerably strengthen our work in this strategic area.”

Ian Noble added: “I am proud that we are developing new and innovative services at a time when public sector organisations are experiencing the toughest of economic times. The most vulnerable citizens need the most effective public services underpinned by targeted public investment to promote the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of their areas. I believe that Northgate’s track record in delivering public service transformation is unrivalled as we uniquely position ourselves to help organisations better meet the complex needs of the citizen and deliver sustainable communities.”

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For more information:
Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton 020 7395 1516; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com

Northgate Information Solutions, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets, today announces that it has completed the £54.3m purchase of Anite Public Sector Holdings Ltd as part of its long term strategic expansion programme in supporting public service transformation.

The deal confirms Northgate’s position as the UK’s leading player in the local government, social housing and criminal justice public services markets. It comes seven months after the acquisition of Northgate Information Solutions plc by private equity firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co (KKR).

The acquisition is part of a long term strategy to broaden and strengthen Northgate’s capacity to meet its clients’ changing needs for citizen-centred services. It builds on the Northgate Public Service strong track record of successfully integrating seven acquisitions in the last five years. The acquisition strategy has generated profitable growth through promoting a performance culture, driving through innovation and putting quality at the heart of everything the company does.

Northgate’s clients are set to benefit from continuously improving services as a result of enhanced investment, economies of scale and the combination of the organisations’ key strengths. The new organisation will have an unrivalled capability to deliver business-focused change programmes and integrated services to the local government, social housing and police and criminal justice public services markets. Northgate will add to its leading position in revenues and benefits and housing by providing a comprehensive range of services including social care and enhanced document management services.

David Meaden, Chief Executive of Northgate Public Services, said today: “I am delighted that we have completed the deal which will bring real benefits to our clients, our employees and to our company as a whole. It marks an exciting new stage in our development and we look forward to the opportunities that will come as a result.

“Our ambition for our company is matched by our ambition for public services. We are fully committed to supporting public service transformation through innovation and the development of new forms of performance partnerships.

“This acquisition broadens and strengthens our capacity and our capability to successfully respond to large scale, strategic and complex procurements and deliver realisable outcomes. Successful transformation requires services which place citizens’ needs at their heart. This deal enhances and extends our ability to support our clients in achieving this crucial change.”

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David Meaden is available for interview

For more information
Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton          020 7395 1516; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com
Kuntal Biswas 020 7395 1517; 07930 566291; kbiswas@fellowsassociates.com

Northgate Information Solutions, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets, today welcomes the Scottish Government plan to tackle climate change as “one of the most ambitious in the world”, but calls for closer partnership working between citizens, public authorities and the private sector.

In a response to Managing Scotland’s Climate Risk, Northgate argues that strong leadership in the current economic climate will ensure the long-term prosperity of Scotland’s communities and economy, whilst protecting the natural environment.

The response welcomes the strong stance taken by the Scottish Government to combat climate change, but calls for further action to be taken, including:

• developing local authority-led energy service partnerships designed to eradicate energy inequalities and encourage consumer and corporate action in local communities;
• giving local authorities full access to information contained in energy performance certificates – this will enable them to promote energy efficiency and alleviate fuel poverty by developing local climate change profiles and taking targeted action through initiatives such as the Central Heating and Warm Deal programmes.

Northgate anticipates that public sector bodies involved in tackling climate change must engage with responsible organisations in the private sector through innovative performance partnerships. These would ensure challenging yet achievable energy efficiency targets, taking account of local circumstances and providing for the genuine engagement of all key stakeholders.

Russell Osborne, Managing Director of Land & Property for Northgate Public Services, said today: “The fight against climate change will only be won by an innovative and collaborative response involving all of us. We strongly support the Scottish Government’s commitment to tackling growing climate change by harnessing the power of society to drive forward positive change.

“New forms of collaboration between citizens, public authorities, the not-for-profit and private sector are vital to encouraging greater energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Energy service partnerships and joint ventures can empower the public and encourage innovation in the private sector.

“In a tough economic climate, there must be an emphasis on all parties working in partnership to promote energy efficiency and bring about a sea-change in organisational and personal attitudes towards more sustainable living.”

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For more information
Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton          020 7395 1516; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com

Northgate Information Solutions today announces that it has received OFT clearance for the acquisition of Anite Public Sector Holdings Limited. The OFT has decided on the information available to it not to refer the offer to the Competition Commission under the provisions of the Enterprise Act.

The decision paves the way for the completion of the deal and confirms Northgate’s position as the UK’s leading player in the local government, social housing and criminal justice public services markets.

The deal builds on Northgate Public Services’ highly successful track record of delivering value through strategic acquisition. This success lies in promoting a performance culture, driving through product innovation and embedding quality through the process of integration. 

David Meaden, Chief Executive of Northgate Public Services, said today:
“We are delighted that the OFT has cleared this deal and we anticipate completion later this month. We have an excellent operational management team and a strong track record of successfully integrating eleven acquisitions in the last five years.

“This deal expands our public services business and extends our commitment to support excellence in the public sector at a time when the economic challenges our clients face have never been greater.”

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For more information

Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton          020 7395 1516; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com

Northgate Information Solutions, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets, today announces an innovative new service designed to promote radical improvements in policing and contribute to safer communities throughout the country.

Northgate has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Lothian & Borders Police to market their widely acclaimed automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) analysis system. The new initiative will provide UK forces with enhanced intelligence gathering through closely tracking the movements of vehicles believed to be involved in criminal activities.

Citizens will benefit from faster incident response times, with forces able to prevent and predict crime and to bring more offenders to justice. The innovative service will deliver:

• an enhanced ability to identify criminal activity that is associated with a vehicle or group of vehicles through hot spotting and trend analysis of vehicle information;
• closer analysis of high crime areas of interest to police forces;
• comprehensive and up to date police intelligence through joined-up vehicle information and integration with third party information;
• increased public safety through closely monitoring vehicle movements, protecting both police staff and the wider community.

This deal follows the recommendation by Sir Ronnie Flanagan in his final report that police forces should ensure they are taking an entrepreneurial approach to policing in ethical income generation and in creating and exploiting business opportunities.

Examples of how the new service can be used include –

• Several robberies have occurred in a region – the services can be used to establish what vehicles were in the vicinity, allowing further investigations to be undertaken including direct access to the regional force crime and intelligence systems to establish what is known about these vehicles;

• An incident involving a vehicle has occurred and the police have nothing to go on other than the make, model and colour of the vehicle. Using the services the police can establish which registrations match with this make, model and colour and which of these have been spotted in the vicinity of the incident.

Ian Blackhurst, Managing Director of Criminal Justice & Public Safety at Northgate Public Services, said: “We want to give citizens and officers in the field the confidence that challenging incidents will be dealt with effectively and efficiently. The new service supports our total commitment to public safety and helps us meet the policing needs of our neighbourhoods. We look forward to working with organisations across the country to provide protection for police and citizens, building safer communities and strengthening trust in the criminal justice system.”
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For more information:
Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton  020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com

Three local authorities serving 1.4 million citizens have signed up to the innovative eBenefits service, taking the number of people benefiting from a radical transformation in housing benefits and council tax services to 10.4 million, Northgate Information Solutions announced today.

Key councils including Shepway District Council are now working in partnership with Northgate, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets, to provide greater accuracy in decision making and faster times for claim handling and assessment. The service is designed to reach out to those who may be missing out on their entitlement, and radically simplify and speed up the process of housing and council tax benefit assessment.

Visiting officers have the option of using mobile technology to help citizens through the assessment process face-to-face, to collate and verify the documents supporting the claim, and provide an indicative benefits calculation on the spot.

- Non-specialist advisers can be quickly guided on-screen through a citizen’s claim for council tax and housing benefits to reach a decision based in law;
- Advisers are presented with only the relevant questions they need to determine a citizen’s eligibility and entitlement;
- Advisers can tell what evidence is needed to support the claim and create a comprehensive decisions audit trail showing how the decision has been made;
- Self-service systems can allow citizens to make full applications online and send over all the evidence that is required to assess their claims;
- Local authorities are able to successfully meet key best value performance indicators;
- Optional mobile systems, linked up to the back-office, allow benefits services to reach out to the community and to target those most in need.

eBenefits also frees up specialists to focus on those cases where help is needed most and offers greater opportunities to work collaboratively, including with CABs and registered social landlords to assess cases requiring closer attention.

Local authorities which have radically improved their benefits services since implementing eBenefits include North Kesteven District Council, Torfaen County Borough Council, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council:

“eBenefits means we can do more for our customers, more quickly and accurately.”
Andrew Everard, Benefits Manager at North Kesteven District Council

“eBenefits has helped us to improve performance and give a better service to our customers.”
Richard Davies, Head of Revenues and Benefits at Torfaen County Borough Council

“eBenefits ensures a better Benefits experience for our customers.”
Alison McGrory, Income & Awards Business Manager at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council

Joe Bradley, Managing Director of Local Government & Social Housing for Northgate Public Services, said today: “We are delighted to be working alongside key local authorities such as Shepway to revolutionise the way benefits are delivered to citizens, especially those in the most vulnerable communities. Accessing benefits can be a difficult and stressful process for many people. eBenefits is built around individual citizen need and ensures that time-consuming form-filling and repeated requests for evidence are a thing of the past. We are proud of our relationships with local councils across the country and strive to deliver continuously improving services, contributing to stronger and more sustainable neighbourhoods.”

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For more information:
Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton            020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com

Wolverhampton City Council and Wolverhampton Homes today announce a new partnership to transform its housing services and strengthen community well-being for the city’s quarter of a million citizens.

Wolverhampton Homes and other managing agents which manage the council’s housing stock are working with Northgate Information Solutions, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets, to provide residents with wider opportunities to access high quality housing services and information.

Under an agreement between the City Council and Northgate worth over £1 million over five years, and following implementation which will be project managed by NCC Group, Wolverhampton’s communities will benefit from:

• greater resident empowerment through enhanced communications with housing employees and improved feedback into services;
• access to multi-lingual self-service systems and assistance in their operation, enabling employees to better reach out to Wolverhampton’s diverse communities, at the point of need;
• improved staff access to comprehensive and up-to-date housing information to help citizens with every aspect of their housing needs;
• a quicker and more proactive management of property allocation for all citizens, including those hardest to reach;
• enhanced management and monitoring of homeless applicants and their requirements, helping to tackle and solve homelessness in the area;
• a proactive housing repairs service that plans repairs and reacts quickly and effectively and puts the needs of residents at its heart.

Northgate will also provide Wolverhampton Homes and the other managing agents with specialist advice on performance transformation, enabling the organisations to realise efficiencies, focus on achieving the Decent Homes Standard, and meet future challenges with confidence.

Richard Carr, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton City Council said: “We are proud of our new partnership with Northgate as the Council strives to deliver first class housing services that focus on the needs of all Wolverhampton citizens. Our partnership will deliver enhanced housing services, enabling us to target and support hard-to reach groups effectively and deliver long-term sustainable value for money services to all residents.”

Lesley Roberts, Chief Executive of Wolverhampton Homes said:
"Wolverhampton Homes is on the way to becoming one of the best housing providers in the country but has been held back by legacy IT systems. The Northgate partnership will enable us to achieve three star status by increasing the capacity of the organisation and making significant value for money savings. We will be able to put more resources into maintaining the housing stock, and less into back room administration and bureaucracy. And tenants and leaseholders will have quicker and easier access to housing services. "

Joe Bradley, Managing Director of Local Government & Social Housing for Northgate Public Services, said today: “Northgate is passionate about delivering first-class housing services that focus on the needs of all residents, including those in the most vulnerable communities. We wholeheartedly support Wolverhampton Homes’ objective of providing affordable and sustainable housing that places residents at the heart of trusted public services.”
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For more information:
Fellows’ Associates:
Kathy Sutton 020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com

Family Mosaic, a leading UK provider of affordable homes and housing services, today announces a new partnership to deliver an innovative citizen relationship management service aimed at strengthening community well being for 45,000 people in London and Essex.

The partnership with Northgate Information Solutions, a leading provider of innovative services to the public sector and utilities markets, will provide a one-stop shop for its tenants delivering faster, more responsive housing services. The new initiative joins up the organisation's front-office and back-office systems, reducing the bureaucratic burden on staff and allowing tenants instant access to the information they need. Its aim is to ensure that tenants get the right service, first time, every time.

Under an agreement worth £770,000 over three years, Family Mosaic’s tenants will benefit from:

·         better understanding of tenants’ needs through continuously monitoring of requests, responses and satisfaction levels, encouraging continuous improvement to performance;

·         greater empowerment of tenants through enhanced communications with housing employees;

·         improved staff access to comprehensive and up-to-date housing information to help tenants with every aspect of their housing needs;

·         enhanced service delivery through the use of mobile services to realise efficiencies and ensure that housing employees spend more time with those hardest to reach.

Brendan Sarsfield, Chief Executive of Family Mosaic, said:

“Family Mosaic is committed to promoting continuous improvement across housing services. Our relationship with Northgate will ensure that resources are used more effectively and improve the quality of housing services for tenants now and in the future. We also believe passionately in undertaking regular consultation with our tenants to find out what services can be improved, with the ultimate goal of delivering service excellence for our staff and tenants."

Joe Bradley, Managing Director of Local Government & Social Housing for Northgate Information Solutions, said:

“We are proud to be working with Family Mosaic to revolutionise services for its tenants and to help housing employees successfully respond to their needs. We aim to ensure that our partnerships with the social housing sector enable those living in social housing, especially some of our most vulnerable citizens, to get the best possible personalised housing services that they have a right to expect.”

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For more information:

Fellows’ Associates:

Kathy Sutton            020 7849 3403; 07966 890401; ksutton@fellowsassociates.com