Mike Short Email and Phone Number

I have worked in the public sector for over 35 years both within local government and national organisations supporting them. I have good knowledge of Public Services Transformation and all therein including efficiency, benefits realisation, business case development, partnership, delivery of outcomes, community based budgets, shared services, customer insight, data handling and linked open data. I have an in depth understanding of the political structures and environment in which local… Show more I have worked in the public sector for over 35 years both within local government and national organisations supporting them. I have good knowledge of Public Services Transformation and all therein including efficiency, benefits realisation, business case development, partnership, delivery of outcomes, community based budgets, shared services, customer insight, data handling and linked open data. I have an in depth understanding of the political structures and environment in which local and central government operate and can demonstrate a strong and varied record of achievement. For example I worked on the Creative Councils Innovation Programme with NESTA in assisting Councils in developing, implementing and spreading transformational new approaches to meeting some of the biggest medium and long-term challenges facing communities and local services. This included how to assist councils to 'let go' and provide a range of education, social care, health and environmental services via alternative methods such as social enterprises. Our support included a series of events, workshops and practical assistance to help the councils deliver their vision. In addition my career has included being a Chief Executive of a Business Link and Head of Economic Development where I help provide support to local businesses. I am now looking as a volunteer to assist and support the development of social enterprises as viable options for community based service delivery and offer my knowledge of how local government works to any group of people looking to seek support from their council for such a venture as an alternative to mainstream provision. I believe my skill set can greatly assist particularly in acquiring donations from both the public and private sector, building corporate ties, marketing the concept and building positive relationships with the media and the community/voluntary sector.. I joined the Board of Better Leeds Communities as a Director/Trustee in Jan 2015 Show less

I joined the board of BLC in January 2015 and left in 2018

The overarching objective is to develop a coherent and comprehensive programme of improvement work, fully costed in terms of staff and financial resources, which will build on our existing offer in line with the Safer and Stronger Communities Board steer to assist Community Safety Partnerships which face a challenging financial future. Building my knowledge and thorough understanding of key issues facing councils in Community Safety, in particular around Police and Crime Commissioners… Show more The overarching objective is to develop a coherent and comprehensive programme of improvement work, fully costed in terms of staff and financial resources, which will build on our existing offer in line with the Safer and Stronger Communities Board steer to assist Community Safety Partnerships which face a challenging financial future. Building my knowledge and thorough understanding of key issues facing councils in Community Safety, in particular around Police and Crime Commissioners, Panels, ASB legislation, Domestic Violence, Cohesion, Victims, Community budgets, and drawing on the wider team knowledge in respect of detailed issues around implementation of metal theft; licensing, communications data powers, fire and resilience. A wider appreciation of public sector structures, such as Health and Wellbeing Boards, the Probation Service, and the opportunities these present is also an important aspect of my new role. Show less

Helping to deliver priority work programmes to support, promote and improve local government, shaping national policy on behalf of councils.Currently working on Creative Councils Innovation Programme with NESTA in assisting 17 Creative Councils in developing, implementing and spreading transformational new approaches to meeting some of the biggest medium and long-term challenges facing communities and local services.This support includes a series of events, workshops and… Show more Helping to deliver priority work programmes to support, promote and improve local government, shaping national policy on behalf of councils.Currently working on Creative Councils Innovation Programme with NESTA in assisting 17 Creative Councils in developing, implementing and spreading transformational new approaches to meeting some of the biggest medium and long-term challenges facing communities and local services.This support includes a series of events, workshops and practical assistance to help the councils deliver their vision. A Creative Councils group on Knowledge hub has facilitated the progress of clustering, capturing of information, enhancing the involvement of the sector and disseminating information to a wider audience. Show less

Involved in 3 national programme projectsI have an in depth understanding of the political structures and environment in which local and central government operates and can demonstrate a strong and varied record of achievement via LGID’s National Programmes where I have been over the past two years the Programme Manager on three complex projects;• Govt Connects Data Handling Guidance to effectively share data in partnerships• Govt Connects Benefits Realisation on front line… Show more Involved in 3 national programme projectsI have an in depth understanding of the political structures and environment in which local and central government operates and can demonstrate a strong and varied record of achievement via LGID’s National Programmes where I have been over the past two years the Programme Manager on three complex projects;• Govt Connects Data Handling Guidance to effectively share data in partnerships• Govt Connects Benefits Realisation on front line efficiencies within partnerships • Front Office Shared Services Business Case for partnership shared servicesI have used my excellent organisational skills as a MSP practitioner in managing teams on these programmes delivered on time and on budget to meet service requirements and producing outcomes on return on investment and increased productivity. For example operating the Data Handling Programme Board, with representatives from CLG, Cabinet Office, DWP, CESG, SOCiTM and LGG, required me to build and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. The aim of the programme is to raise the profile of secure data handling and the use of data as a strategic management information tool and to ensure senior members and managers have the processes to manage this effectively. I have also been the programme’s Policy lead thus creating strategies, interventions and innovative solutions to complex issues. For instance by demonstrating how the effective capture and use of data is vital to key initiatives that authorities are involved in to transform public services, such as Tell Us Once, Productive Place, Community Budgets and the front-office shared services. I also submit regular update reports on all programmes to LGDC and LCIOC in order to maintain their knowledge of progress and influence national policy development. Show less

I have been a consultant/adviser on numerous large projects that included anticipating and understanding the needs of local authorities and translating them into solutions and outcomes as part of public services transformation. I have helped them to maximise productivity through customer focus, inter-agency partnerships, pooling knowledge, sharing services and redesigning processes. I maintain understanding of local government policy and improvement agenda by working within a number of… Show more I have been a consultant/adviser on numerous large projects that included anticipating and understanding the needs of local authorities and translating them into solutions and outcomes as part of public services transformation. I have helped them to maximise productivity through customer focus, inter-agency partnerships, pooling knowledge, sharing services and redesigning processes. I maintain understanding of local government policy and improvement agenda by working within a number of networks, e.g. YH LAA Network, with GOYH and YHRIEP. For example supporting Barnsley LSP in developing workshops as a Community Budget LSP to deliver key priorities. One example of undertaking research and applying analytical and problem solving techniques to interpret evidence and identify trends is for Bradford’s Community Budget Project in developing their business case as one of the16 pilots. I researched payment by result schemes and summarised complex information and recommended a solution as to the applicability of PBR in delivering positive outcomes in meeting the needs of ‘families with complex needs’. I worked with their Family Intervention Programme team on ‘business process re-engineering’ whereby funding by partners on early intervention increases productivity and leads to efficiencies for other partners by them reducing later interventions. This involved a understanding key government policies and the policy making/legislative process via the Public Services Reform white paper which advocates PBR is applied to all public services.I am working with the Local Productivity Programme using my dynamic and creative approach to further assist develop the programme in meeting LGG priorities. For example in relation to working with YH and NW regions on the development of Public Services Network to underpin regional public sector shared service delivery. I assisted making the case for £250k funding from YHRIEP to YH PSN. Show less

Part of Implementation Support Unit working with LAs to implement E-Govt AgendaImplementation Manager, ODPM/IDeA (2003 - 2007)Responsible for:Managing projects that have totally transformed service delivery and customer access Carrying out needs assessments and reviews to determine areas for service improvement. Producing highly effective action plans that enable the authorities to make vastly significant improvements to their service transformation… Show more Part of Implementation Support Unit working with LAs to implement E-Govt AgendaImplementation Manager, ODPM/IDeA (2003 - 2007)Responsible for:Managing projects that have totally transformed service delivery and customer access Carrying out needs assessments and reviews to determine areas for service improvement. Producing highly effective action plans that enable the authorities to make vastly significant improvements to their service transformation initiatives.Introducing change management to successfully handle changes required as a result of e-government/efficiency/shared services agenda.Facilitating and mentoring Heads of Service in improved performance in the delivery of servicesDesigning practical and effective improvement tools for service managers Identifying and disseminate good practice in the delivery of public servicesHelping public sector partners to work together to provide shared services Show less

Responsible for:Delivering 25 inspections and performance projects across local government and health organisations that included: CPA, NHS Plan, LSP development and crosscutting reviews on regeneration and e-government.Developing and implementing an approach to CPA self-assessmentDeveloping a methodology to assess partner contributions to the outcomes of a LSPImplementing this methodology to Partnerships and introducing a performance management frameworkDeveloping Access to… Show more Responsible for:Delivering 25 inspections and performance projects across local government and health organisations that included: CPA, NHS Plan, LSP development and crosscutting reviews on regeneration and e-government.Developing and implementing an approach to CPA self-assessmentDeveloping a methodology to assess partner contributions to the outcomes of a LSPImplementing this methodology to Partnerships and introducing a performance management frameworkDeveloping Access to Services criteria for judgement linking the e-govt agenda with LSP development.October 2000 – 2004 (4 years) Originally a 'best value inspector' (boo hiss! ) but then a specialist in e-government, citizen focus, shared services et al....Moved onto ODPM in 2004 as part of their E-Gov Team and then onto IDeA.....So I'm alright now Show less

Responsible for:Developing and implementing the ICT Strategy on behalf of the North Yorkshire Strategic Partnership. Focussing the strategy on bringing the benefits of ICT to businesses, education and the wider community.Influencing the redirection of partner's business plans towards the strategy's objectives and hence improved co-ordination of effortsWorking with 45 organisations within the fields of business, education, health, police, social services, non-governmental… Show more Responsible for:Developing and implementing the ICT Strategy on behalf of the North Yorkshire Strategic Partnership. Focussing the strategy on bringing the benefits of ICT to businesses, education and the wider community.Influencing the redirection of partner's business plans towards the strategy's objectives and hence improved co-ordination of effortsWorking with 45 organisations within the fields of business, education, health, police, social services, non-governmental departments, local authorities and voluntary sectorSecuring funding Show less

Responsible for:Organisation and development of business support servicesSecuring appropriate resources for delivery of business planManaging Business Link staff and co-ordinating work of partner staffMonitoring and evaluation of Business Link activitiesPromoting Business Link as single access pointAchievement of BS EN ISO 9001 and IiP accreditation

Responsible for 40 staff in delivering the following activities:Industrial and business developmentTourism developmentMarketing and promotionProject and property developmentEconomic information and research

Responsible for:Developing and implementing the council's economic development policySecuring funding for economic projects from EU and central governmentLeading the implementation of urban economic programmes and projects

Responsible for:Developing policies and plans for Bradford City Centre, Implementing development control and assessing planning applicationsImplementing programmes of work in industrial improvement areas