Shared services

Shared services are a credible strategy to achieve the Government’s objective of protecting outcomes and not budgets. The are a cornerstone of the public service reform plan (November 2011) and were key recommendations in the Transforming Public Service report and the Public Service Agreement (Croke Park deal).

Initiating a shared services project can deliver quick-wins in cost savings and improved performance but there is the potential for greater benefits in the medium-to long-term. While Government has clearly bought into the concept of shared services for the civil service (e.g. HR, pensions, payroll, financial management and banking) and recognised the need for specialist initiatives in the health and education sectors, a concerted effort is required to implement shared services at local government level.