Slide1: Brief Encounter The attempted amalgamation of Cumbria and Lancashire Constabularies Deputy Chief Constable Christine Twigg


Brief EncounterThe attempted amalgamation of Cumbria and Lancashire Constabularies: Brief Encounter The attempted amalgamation of Cumbria and Lancashire Constabularies Why we did it How we did it What we learnt Where we are now


Shotgun Wedding?Why Cumbria Constabulary pursued amalgamation with Lancashire: Shotgun Wedding? Why Cumbria Constabulary pursued amalgamation with Lancashire National protective services standards Financial forecasts Achievability Lack of better offers….


Shotgun Wedding?Protective Services Standards: Shotgun Wedding? Protective Services Standards September 2005 Closing the Gap benchmark = national standard equivalent to Baseline Assessment “excellent” required substantial dedicated teams required unobtainable experience required unobtainable resilience POOR EXCELLENT £8M+


Shotgun Wedding?Financial Position: Shotgun Wedding? Financial Position funding to fall in real terms from 2008 need for infrastructure investment minimal reserves total cost reductions of £4m by 2011 years of efficiencies since 1998


Shotgun Wedding? Achievability: Shotgun Wedding? Achievability Cumbria and Lancashire Merger Lowest cost option Shortest pay back period Geography manageable (just) Least complex option Common service priorities


Slide7: Shotgun Wedding? Lack of Better Offers Home Office encourage regional focus North East region looking east GMP standing alone Merseyside uncertain Cheshire remote


Shotgun Wedding?Concerns on entering the process: Shotgun Wedding? Concerns on entering the process the Preston question the uncertainty principle southern drift size of the challenge


The Odd CoupleHow we approached the amalgamation with Lancashire: The Odd Couple How we approached the amalgamation with Lancashire Joint governance and team Relationship with Home Office Set up structure for change Detailed scoping and planning


The Odd CoupleSuccesses in the approach to amalgamation: The Odd Couple Successes in the approach to amalgamation Involved the right people Symbolic actions and quick wins Take advice Communicate, communicate etc


Dangerous LiaisonsWhat we learnt from the amalgamation process: Dangerous Liaisons What we learnt from the amalgamation process Don’t underestimate cultural barriers Mutual trust and understanding is vital Its all about that vision thing again Expect a fight or flight response The cheque is not in the post


Dangerous LiaisonsWhat we learnt from the amalgamation process: Dangerous Liaisons What we learnt from the amalgamation process We are better at some stuff than we thought We need to present ourselves better Our local partners really value us Our staff can achieve more than they think There is some stuff we could copy or share


From Here to Eternity?The Constabulary’s position after amalgamation ended: From Here to Eternity? The Constabulary’s position after amalgamation ended Quart from a pint pot Making shared services work Making collaboration work Have mergers gone away?