STEP Forward – staff information
Our HSCP is developing a programme of work called STEP Forward, previously known as Service Prioritisation. The aim of the programme is to ensure resources are used effectively, improve financial sustainability, and identify opportunities to transform how services operate.
The Programme name was changed to STEP Forward following feedback and consultation with staff.
STEP Forward stands for Strategic, Transparent, Effective and Planned, and better reflects both the intent of the programme and how we want to work alongside staff as it progresses. While the name is changing, the purpose remains the same: to ensure we use our resources responsibly, protect vital services, and continue to support the people in Glasgow who rely on us.
STEP Forward is a commitment to:
- being open and transparent about the challenges we face
- taking an evidence based and planned approach to decision making
- engaging meaningfully with staff and partners
- focusing on quality, equity and sustainability in service design
Why this Programme is happening
STEP Forward is a significant and necessary opportunity to review our services to ensure they are fit for the future. We recognise that change can feel uncertain, and are committed to engaging openly with you and supporting you through the process. The process is being developed to reflect fairness and equity, and the strengths-based practice we embed in our daily work. We are seeking to redesign our system to complement our ongoing learning, particularly as many of our services were set up when the Integrated Joint Board (IJB) was established in 2016, or before. Since then, there has been a significant change in the population of the city, and therefore we want to ensure that our services meet the needs of our citizens, and are designed in line with the ambition of our IJB members and all of you, who deliver the system of support in Glasgow City.
Our aim is to ensure that we are organised in a way that responds to the IJB’s strategic priorities, making best use of the funding we receive. One of the key constraints of the programme is that we are facing a 5% funding gap over the next 3 years. Therefore, we hope to identify different ways of delivering our services that help to achieve efficiencies so that we can continue to deliver core services in a way that meets current population need. This may involve different service delivery models, digital solutions and reconfiguration of teams and services. For example, there may be an opportunity to develop citywide services, or to integrate services across care groups. If you are involved in the workshops, then we will be keen to capture your thoughts on a range of ideas.
How the reviews will work
Services will be reviewed using the HM Treasury’s Green Book method. A group of planning staff have been trained in this approach, with the aim of applying a consistent and transparent approach across all reviews. This will include provided and purchased services, and internal functions, including Business Administration, Business Development, Human Resources and Finance.
We are also carrying out impact assessments to understand the consequences for specific groups, including those with protected characteristics (for example, families in poverty). Our aim is to minimise the impact on those who need our services the most. We will also be prioritising the services we required to deliver by law.
Timeline
By the end of 2026, around 30 reviews will be completed.
- a similar number will follow in 2027 and 2028
- all HSCP services will be reviewed over the three years
What staff can expect
When your service is selected for review, you will receive a direct briefing about the scope, process, and who is carrying out the review.
- staff will have opportunities to engage and ask questions throughout each review stage
- trade unions are involved at both individual review and Programme levels
Engagement and communication
A range of staff and, where appropriate, service users, and other stakeholders will be invited to participate in a series of workshops to understand current services and explore different approaches to delivery. These approaches will then be assessed against a set of criteria to develop a ‘short list’ of options that will be subject to further analysis, including benefit-cost ratios. This will consider the monetised and non-monetised benefits (e.g. impact on health, longevity, avoiding accommodation of children etc.). This process will generate a preferred option, which is then subject to further affordability and deliverability checks to produce a final recommendation.
We are encouraging our colleagues to participate in the workshops as we recognise that those who work in our services are most knowledgeable about what might need to change to best meet the needs of our service users. We will be considering our statutory duties and continuing to prioritise services for those most in need, whilst balancing an analysis of the early intervention and prevention approaches that help to promote independence and achieve best outcomes for local communities.
Key message
- be aware that this is a major Programme that will affect everyone in our HSCP
- the goal is to ensure our HSCP becomes the best version of itself for the future
- a strong, meaningful two‑way communication approach will support staff throughout the process
The way we deliver services may change. We will be publishing the outcomes of the reviews on this page and will work with teams and service users to implement the recommendations of the reviews.
We have developed frequently asked questions based on the feedback we have received so far. We invite ongoing feedback using our feedback form and will update this page regularly.
