Proposals put forward for decision to appoint Transformation Partner

A proposal has been put forward to appoint Newton Europe (Newton) as the council’s Transformation Implementation Partner to support the ‘adapt | grow | thrive’ programme

11/09/2024

Drone image of water, boats, buildings and sky rise buildings. Image taken on a sunny day with white clouds. The text 'adapt | grow | thrive' is in front of the drone image in white writing.

The proposals have been put forward to the cabinet and council for a decision to appoint Newton. The decision will be made by cabinet on Tuesday 17 September 2024 and then by council on Wednesday 18 September 2024.

The appointment will play a crucial part in the council’s plans to achieve a balanced budget without the need for further Exceptional Financial Support from the government, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

Newton have been working with the council since March 2024 to support the council to identify ways to improve outcomes within Adult and Children’s social care, whilst delivering potential financial savings. The outcome of this engagement formed a key part of the full scope of the council's Transformation Programme 'adapt | grow | thrive', which was approved in July 2024.

This appointment will see Newton support the full implementation of the adapt | grow | thrive programme through to completion, including work on the council’s prevention agenda, and demand and capacity modelling to help construct a long-term Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). Specialist resources and leadership will be provided to collectively deliver specific key programmes of activity within the Adults & Health, Children’s Services, Schools and Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) Transformation Portfolios and additional work in other service areas, ensuring the savings associated with these programmes are delivered.

Councillor Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:

"The appointment of Newton as our transformation implementation partner will ensure the council achieves long-term financial sustainability, whilst continuing to deliver good outcomes for our city.

"We have robust plans in place to meet the challenges we face, and we know what we need to do, how we’re going to do it and the evidence shows we’re making really good progress in improving how we work".