Decision Log 029/2021 Request to use Cost of Change Reserves

Police and Crime Commissioner for Surrey – Decision Making Record

Report Title: Request to use Cost of Change Reserves

Decision number: 029/2021

Author and Job Role: Kelvin Menon – CFO Surrey OPCC

Protective Marking: OFFICIAL

Executive Summary:

The Force wishes to invest in software to enable RPA (Robotic Process Automation) and thereby realise operational savings. This is a joint project with Sussex (who have agreed to their share of the funding) and the Surrey contribution is £163,000. It is requested that this come from the “Cost of Change” reserve as there is no identifiable budget available at present since it is still early in the year

Background

The Force operate a number of unconnected systems where information has to be “doubled keyed”. This results in duplication of work and potential errors in data recording. This project will enable the installation of RPA to remove some of that duplication and hence release resources. The first stage of the program would look at removing duplicated records and cleansing addresses within the Niche systems. It is anticipated that the work could then progress to linking the Niche, Redbox and Strom systems. The concept has already been proved in Avon and Somerset and resulted in greater efficiency and savings.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Police and Crime Commissioner releases £163,000 from the “Cost of Change” reserves to support this project

Police and Crime Commissioner Approval

I approve the recommendation(s):

Signature: wet signature copy held in OPCC.

Date: 21st June 2021

All decisions must be added to the decision register.

Areas of consideration

Consultation

None

Financial implications

The Cost of Change reserve has £1.564m in it as at the 31st March 2021 and can be used for projects that realise efficiencies both in operations and costs. This initial funding will enable the project to commence. Following this first year any costs (and savings) will be taken account of in the annual budget process.

Legal

None

Risks

There is a risk that the project will not deliver the returns anticipated. This is mitigated by the fact that the concept has already been used successfully in Avon and Somerset.

Equality and diversity

None

Risks to human rights

None