Contact: Jenny Heath, Corporate Performance Manager, ext 7402

1 Purpose of the Service

1.1 All departments within the council engage in activities which impact on international relations. These are organised in a number of different ways. The international work in the Policy Unit comprises support for members nominated to represent Hampshire in international political networks, managing corporate partnerships, managing the Brussels Office and providing advice, support and coordination for departments' international activities. Departments all have nominated European Officers and Departments are involved in a wide range of projects and partnerships. The Economic Development Office provides support and advice on external funding including European and international funds.

1.2 The Brussels office is a partnership with the Isle of Wight Unitary Authority and West Sussex County Council and is located in South East England House along with other representative offices for the South East. The office is managed by Hampshire and the staff are employed by the County Council.

1.3 International Relations are discretionary activities and are not constrained by legislation.

2 Evaluation of whether the service offers Best Value

2.1 The extent to which International Relations offers Best Value will be investigated in the course of the Review.

3 Best Value review details

3.1 The direct costs associated with the review are estimated at a maximum of £4,000, covering the costs of activities such as the EFQM day , the challenge day and consultation.

3.2 The review is estimated to take 70 officer days to complete.

3.3 The following elected Members have been nominated to participate in the review:

· Cllr Michael Cartwright

· Cllr Adrian Collett

· Cllr Jonathan Glen

· Cllr Patrick Pierce

· Cllr Mike Roberts

4 Conclusion

4.1 The attached project brief outlines the approach to the review and how it seeks to address the following issues:

· Vision and strategy

· 2 way internal engagement

· effective communications

· a willingness to listen and learn

· monitoring and evaluation

Recommendation

That the approach to the review is agreed.

N.B. The list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act.