CONSTABULARY STAFF COME UP WITH "BRIGHT IDEAS" TO SAVE MONEY

The Authority has welcomed a scheme which asks staff to come up with ideas to progress efficiency and make financial savings.

Chairman of the Authority, Margaret Ollerenshaw said, "the role of the Authority is to ensure that the service delivered by the Constabulary is efficient and effective. The Constabulary is committed to continuous improvement and suggestions from its employees have a large part to play in this process".

The Bright Ideas Scheme encourages staff and officers to consider and submit ideas for efficiency, improvement and good practice, particularly focusing on savings due to the current financial climate. Staff and officers can submit ideas through their line manager, a Local Improvement Group or through a specially set up internal mailbox.

There have been a number of suggestions put forward already that have realised financial savings and other benefits such as an agreement with a Morrison's supermarket for free car washing of police vehicles, in return for purchasing fuel from them.

These are ideas that have already been implemented by the Bright Ideas Scheme in the short time it has been running and some substantial savings have been made. More important process changes that will lead to long term savings are being assessed and implemented.

Margaret Ollerenshaw added, "the examples below show how small practical ideas can make a big difference. The public could play a part too. The Authority will be discussing next years police budget at Police Question time Meetings being held across the policing area in January 2011. I would welcome anyone who could give us ideas for efficiency savings to come along and give us their suggestions.

Details of the Police Question Time meetings can be found at www.cheshirepa.police.uk