Direct service provision.

Local authority waste collection, recycling and street cleansing service provision by a directly employed management and workforce, i.e. Direct Service Organisation (DSO), is commonplace. However, determining these services' adherence to the principles of Best Value whilst making meaningful comparisons to the private sector can be complex. Informed, professional advice is often required to guide and assist this process.

Key direct service provision activities carried out by the company include:

Business planning and analysis

• Development of business strategies and plans
• Financial analysis of activities
• Advice on legal issues relating to the DSO
• Potential partnership working with the private sector
• Market testing

Productivity analysis and review

• Analysis of service requirements
• Assessment of productivity within the DSO
• Comparison of outputs and achievements with the private sector
• Recommendations on service improvement

Market analysis

• Assessment of restrictions which prevent the DSO from effectively competing with the private sector
• Identification of extra peripheral business which might be suitable for the DSO

Tender assessment and preparation

• Preparation of competitive tenders
• Development of tendering strategies
• Resource scheduling
• Financial appraisal