Setting up HR shared services in local government

Through combining dispersed human resources' (HR) administrative activities, shared services can deliver cost and quality benefits for councils.

Shared services can be delivered in-house, outsourced to an external provider, or executed in partnership with another organisation. Though likely to be a focus of government public sector saving, shared services needs careful design and excellent implementation.

This guide, produced in partnership with the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), examines some of the key issues councils should consider when introducing HR shared services. It presents possible options, offers the big questions to ask – for councillors and senior managers – and provides some practical suggestions on where to start.