The Corporate Advisory Network is designed for corporate policy officers and other local authority officers who wish to work together to enhance the effectiveness of their authority’s services during a period of unprecedented public sector reform.

The network achieves this through effectively briefing its members on legislative, professional and other guidance that is issued and in particular on the practical issues and implications arising and by accessing good practice examples. Timely and relevant practical advice is offered to support action planning for reform as it impacts upon a wide range of continuous improvement related issues and processes, strategies and procedures.

In addition, through its team of advisors, it provides expertly facilitated peer support across its membership.

The core themes around which the service will continue to grow in 2005 include the following:

• The experiences and continuing rollout of the Best Value Audit
• Continued support for authorities as they implement and evolve their approaches on Best Value.
• Support authorities on delivering on Efficient Government
• Support authorities on governance, performance management, engagement & public reporting agendas.
• Link with aspects of the wider continuous improvement and change management agendas.
• Delivering sustainable & equitable public service improvements. Take on board the latest guidance & requirements which accompany the enactment of the local Government in Scotland Act

These themes will be supported by a total of four events during 2005, further details of which can be accessed by clicking on events.

Membership of the network offers access to the following:

• National workshops and briefings
• Timely and detailed briefing papers on technical and professional guidance impacting upon services with regard to continuous improvement.
• Regular advisory reports detailing practical issues, implications and approaches to specific themes as they impact upon local authorities
• A twice-yearly technical bulletin
• Access to our team of advisors
• Dedicated member website, including access to documentation used at all our events

The forum is easy to join and membership is designed to support the varied needs of different Councils. Places at events are determined by subscribers in accordance with their needs. For more information contact Andrew.Leck@ipf.co.uk or call 0131 718 2710.If you have any questions about bookings, please e-mail Charlotte.Mean@ipf.co.uk or call 0131 718 2711.