Co-ordinating Area Based Initiatives (ABIs)

ABIs are Government programmes that concentrate on tackling deep-seated problems in a joined up way. Rather than being applied uniformly across the country, they are targeted in particular areas of need.

The Performance and Innovation Unit Report, Reaching Out, noted that, while these initiatives were often making a real difference, their proliferation placed burdens on local partners. ABIs were not always co-ordinated with other programmes which had similar objectives, and they demanded considerable administrative resources on the part of, for example, local authorities, to prepare bids/plans and to fulfil reporting/auditing arrangements.

A key priority for the RCU is to tackle this problem. So far the RCU has:

• implemented a "Double Key" process, recommended in Reaching Out, to ensure that the RCU and Government Offices are systematically consulted about new initiatives. This ensures that no new initiatives are launched without first considering how they will interact, and possibly link up, with existing programmes;
• undertaken a detailed mapping exercise, examining some 100 initiatives;
• launched a review of existing ABIs;
• set up an ABI Advisory Panel of experts to assist the RCU in considering all aspects of ABIs;

An outcome of the mapping exercise was the setting up of the RCU's interactive ABI website. In an efficient and user-friendly way, the site aims to disseminate information and best practice about ABIs for those concerned with running them, as well as providing information for the general public. The search facility enables the user to locate initiatives by name, sponsoring Department, or geographical area.

The next step for the RCU is a review of existing ABIs. The review process, which began in October, will look to co-ordinate complementary schemes wherever possible, to reduce the burden on local partners and improve delivery on the ground. The reviews will ask:

• What was the original intention behind the initiative? How far has that intention been realised?
• How could the initiative be co-ordinated with other local activity, to achieve better delivery on the ground?
• Could the same outcomes be achieved through the use of mainstream programmes?
• What should be the future of the initiative? Should it be continued/ended/merged with another programme/mainstreamed?

While all existing ABIs will be reviewed in due course, some of the key reviews will be "fast-tracked", to ensure that the results of them feed into the 2002 spending review.

Finally, with the ABI panel already at work, we are now adding an ABI Forum. This was launched on November 7th by Minister of State Barbara Roche. The aims of the Forum are:

• to provide those running and involved in the delivery of ABIs an appropriate arena where key developments, issues and concerns can be discussed and, where necessary, solutions sought;
• to help the RCU create a body of best practice that can be disseminated to the Government Offices in the regions and those running ABIs.

Once established, this will encompass regular topical seminars and workshops, and will be maintained by an active e-mail group.