Management Information Sheet
Schools Courier Service
Background
Whilst E Courier is the principal method by which we communicate with and send things to schools, there are still hard copy items that need to be collected and delivered. This service is provided for us via a contract with a local courier company.
The schools courier currently takes items to and from schools to County Hall on a weekly basis for 39 weeks per year. Collecting from County Hall on a Friday and delivering to schools on a Monday and Tuesday.
The current cost of this service is approximately £45,000 per annum, this is based on the Courier carrying standard size packages (12" x 17.5") to and from all schools. Sometimes large items need to be sent which means we need to use larger packages and these attract a higher charge therefore the annual cost of £45K is approximate.
Analysis of Mail
An in depth look at the type of items transported has been undertaken, this has shown that some weeks there are really small quantities where it would be cheaper to use Royal Mail, and some weeks really large quantities of items are sent and it is cheaper to use the Courier.
The first week and last week of any term always bring large quantities of mail to be moved. At certain times of the year there will also be large quantities of pupil records, and it is felt that the Courier is the most secure way of transporting these.
We continually work with colleagues to promote the most efficient way to communicate with schools and this has already enabled us to reduce the amount of hard copy that we send out, but we believe that further efficiency savings can be made by reducing the number of journeys.
Proposal
We are therefore proposing to make a reduction in the current level of service.
It is recognised that the beginning and end of each term is a very busy time for Courier post, and at these times the weekly service is essential.
However, with the exception of the beginning and end of each term, we propose to amend the Courier contract so that during term time a fortnightly service will operate.
Consultation
We would welcome your views. Please email any comments you may have regarding this proposal to yvonne.bickers@norfolk.gov.uk by the end of June.
This proposal and your comments will be discussed by the Children's Services Senior Management Team in early July.
Yvonne Bickers
Business Manager
Whilst E Courier is the principal method by which we communicate with and send things to schools, there are still hard copy items that need to be collected and delivered. This service is provided for us via a contract with a local courier company.
The schools courier currently takes items to and from schools to County Hall on a weekly basis for 39 weeks per year. Collecting from County Hall on a Friday and delivering to schools on a Monday and Tuesday.
The current cost of this service is approximately £45,000 per annum, this is based on the Courier carrying standard size packages (12" x 17.5") to and from all schools. Sometimes large items need to be sent which means we need to use larger packages and these attract a higher charge therefore the annual cost of £45K is approximate.
Analysis of Mail
An in depth look at the type of items transported has been undertaken, this has shown that some weeks there are really small quantities where it would be cheaper to use Royal Mail, and some weeks really large quantities of items are sent and it is cheaper to use the Courier.
The first week and last week of any term always bring large quantities of mail to be moved. At certain times of the year there will also be large quantities of pupil records, and it is felt that the Courier is the most secure way of transporting these.
We continually work with colleagues to promote the most efficient way to communicate with schools and this has already enabled us to reduce the amount of hard copy that we send out, but we believe that further efficiency savings can be made by reducing the number of journeys.
Proposal
We are therefore proposing to make a reduction in the current level of service.
It is recognised that the beginning and end of each term is a very busy time for Courier post, and at these times the weekly service is essential.
However, with the exception of the beginning and end of each term, we propose to amend the Courier contract so that during term time a fortnightly service will operate.
Consultation
We would welcome your views. Please email any comments you may have regarding this proposal to yvonne.bickers@norfolk.gov.uk by the end of June.
This proposal and your comments will be discussed by the Children's Services Senior Management Team in early July.
Yvonne Bickers
Business Manager