Why we need to make Capita! - The Movie and why we need your support

The following are quotes taken from various contract documents released by Barnet Council detailing what Capita will do in return for oodles of Taxpayers cash.

Now I don't know about you, but to me all of this sounds highly dodgy. Capita are clearly stating that they can use all of this to the benefit of Barnet Council (and presumably to the detriment of Boroughs they don't represent). Is this a conflict of interest? I am not legally qualified, so can only ask the question. I can't answer it. But we will answer it in the film.

If you can assist us financially with the production of the film, there are major costs involved in conducting interviews with people around the country, please have a look at the the information at the top of the bar on the side. Alternatively email me if you want to make a donation towards the production and I'll pass you the details. We already have several generous concerned benefactors, who have allowed us to plan to commence work next week.

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Quotes from Capita regarding their "influence"

“We have relationships with senior officials in Government who we can engage with on behalf of Barnet and bring to the Borough to see the transformation that the Authority has delivered.” (Page 118 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“We also commit to seeking out opportunities at key conferences such as LGA and SOLACE and supporting the Borough in attending these conferences as speakers to promote the name of Barnet as an exemplar council and innovator in service provision.”(Page 117 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“we sit on the Public Services Strategy Board, Whitehall & Industry Group, reform, policy exchange, intellect, Localis and a research and data partnership with Dods.” (Page 116 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“In this role we worked directly with Francis Maude’s team and the Efficiency Reform group (ERG) to develop various initiatives that improved quality and saved money for Central Government,” (Page 116 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“We also have frequent meetings with the cabinet office at official level, and occasional meetings at ministerial level.” (Page 116 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“We will provide Barnet and its key partners the opportunity to communicate the success of the One Barnet programme and therefore secure attendance for Authority staff at these events alongside speakers from the Authority.” (Page 115 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“Our speakers are drawn from the leading industry professionals, and recent Local Government and Communities speakers have included: Andrew Travers, Deputy Chief Executive, London Borough of Barnet; Graham Burgess, Chief Executive Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and NHS; Gavin Jones, Chief Executive, Swindon Borough Council; Derrick Anderson, Chief Executive, Lambeth Council and Sean Harris, Chief Executive Bolton Council.” (Page 115 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“In the three months from November 2012 – January 2013 inclusive, Capita Conferences will hold 54 government conferences.”(Page 115 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence).

“We hold meetings and events with government representatives on a daily basis” (Page 114 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“We are well engaged with policy officials, special advisers and ministers in a number of key departments and hold regular discussions with them. We also have good relationships with a number of key influencers, such as think tanks (e.g. reform, policy exchange, Localis) and consultancies.” (Page 110 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“We also benefit from the regular involvement of our Executive Directors, Group Board Directors and expertise of ex-employees from key Central Government Departments, advisors and Think Tanks. These include Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), Ministry of Justice (MoJ), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Department of Health (DH), Ministry of Defence (MoD), Policy Exchange, Localis and the Technology Strategy Board.” (Page 109 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“The Public sector represents 50% of Capita’s business. Within this, Central Government is one of Capita's core markets: we generate around £300m revenue per year from the sector, or 10% of our overall business. As a consequence we bring detailed knowledge of many of the departments and arms-length bodies that present big opportunities and risks, in terms of changing policy to Barnet, such as Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Business Innovation & Skills (BIS), Department of Energy & Climate Change (DECC) and Ministry of Justice (MoJ).” (Page 109 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“Performance Management - We will work with local leaders and managers to reposition performance management to be a way of working rather than an appraisal and reward system. The Insight generated through our Employee Portal will inform the support we provide to the Council's managers and employees. We will align individual performance objectives to support the delivery of the agreed shared vision focussing employees' contribution on delivering customer, commercial or service outcomes and empowering employees to realise their contribution against measurable service outcomes.” (Page 98 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“At Capita, we have been thinking beyond the short-term to the types of authorities that will emerge after necessary spending reductions have been made.”......“We will work with the Council to help them shape the transformation journey to deliver their vision to become a Commissioning Council.”(Page 86 of 135 Transformation Method Statement 4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“In respect of the hub run by Barnet Homes, we will provide accommodation for theregular (believed to be quarterly) forum meetings held to discuss services providedby Barnet Homes with residents. There will be no fixed charge for provision of thisfacility, only for the variable costs associated with security, catering and cleaning.” (Page 60 of 135,Transformation Method Statement,4th March 2013 Commercial in Confidence)

“In Month 20 the traded schools services will be expanded to other bodies.” (Page 52 of 135,Transformation Method Statement,4th March 2013.Commercial in Confidence)

“In the event of significant change including any staff redundancies, Capita will engage and consult with Trade Unions and employee representatives at the earliest opportunity. We appreciate that consultation is not just about informing the representatives, but should be meaningful and should allow employees and representatives the opportunity to suggest ideas and feedback with the aim of reaching possible solutions. A full redundancy consultation process involving individuals and Trade Union representatives will be followed not only to meet our legal obligations but also to ensure that individuals are treated with honesty, openness and respect and provided with the support they need during a difficult time for them.” (Page 44 of 135,Transformation Method Statement,4th March 2013,Commercial in Confidence)

“Capita approaches consultation on change, including consultation on potential redundancy, with an open and positive mindset. We believe that through frank consultation and discussion within the consultation process we can explore ways to mitigate the risk of redundancies having to be effected.” (Page 45 of 135,Transformation Method Statement,4th March 2013,Commercial in Confidence)