Services can be delivered in many ways, and the best value service review (BVSR) process provides a framework for assessing the effectiveness of each available option. The BVSR is also one of the key ways we can achieve our strategic plan priorities and deliver continuous improvement.

A BVSR is an assessment of the need for the services a team provides and the way in which they are delivered, resulting in proposals to improve these services and their efficiency. It is carried out by a service’s team and is supported by a wider review group.

Developing a BSVR

BVSRs are different from ongoing management review processes, as they are wider in scope and must meet criteria set out within statutory guidance.

Elements that must be included in a review are often referred to as the 4 Cs:

• challenge
• consult
• compare
• compete

All BVSRs will need to demonstrate that improvements can be secured for our communities through changes in the way that services are delivered.

These improvements can be across a range of factors that should, ideally, include:

• economy - delivering better value for money
• efficiency - improving outputs relative to inputs
• effectiveness - improving service delivery
• equity - providing services more fairly
• environment - promoting environmental sustainability
  
  

The eight-stage process

Stage 1: Scoping and project planning
Approximate timescale: Three weeks

The relevant head of service will agree who will lead the review. Planning and performance will then identify an officer to support the review.

The review lead and planning and performance officer will meet to agree what is included and excluded from the review and who will be included in the review group membership. They will also take this opportunity to share any other relevant information. Start and end dates are then set, as well as milestone dates.

The Stage 1 report is prepared for the strategic commissioning board, the equality impact assessment begins and the review lead presents the report to the board for approval.

Stage 2: Data collection
Stage 3: Service evaluation
Approximate timescale: Three months

Extensive collation of information covering the 4 Cs, evaluation of the information and identification of key priorities.

A consultation with stakeholders, which must be live for at least six weeks to ensure meaningful engagement.

Stages 2 and 3 report is prepared for the strategic commissioning board. The review lead presents the report to the board for approval.

Stage 4: Future service requirements
Stage 5: Options appraisal
Stage 6: Conclusions and recommendations
Approximate timescale: Two to three months

Based on the evidence collected during stages 2 and 3, the review team identify future service requirements, develop potential new delivery models for appraisal and consider information on financial implications.

A long list of options for provision is developed and appraised, which shortlists and identifies the preferred option (which is then costed). Adequate time for planning is required to ensure stakeholders can attend the options appraisal.

The review team then develops interim conclusions and a draft improvement action plan.

Stages 4, 5 and 6 report is prepared for the strategic commissioning board. The review lead presents the report to the board for approval.

Stage 7: Decision-making
Stage 8: Final recommendations
Approximate timescale: Three weeks

The work undertaken in review to date is summarised alongside an overview of the recommended model for future delivery with an improvement action plan and implementation schedule.

Stages 7 and 8 report is prepared for the strategic commissioning board. The review lead presents the report to the strategic commissioning board for approval.

Stages 7 and 8 report is then presented to the Integration Joint Board.