What is Alternative Service Delivery?
In very general terms, Alternative Service Delivery (ASD) describes what happens when individuals, community groups, the private sector and other levels of governments help the City provide residents with services and programs.
There are many different types of ASD arrangements. For example, ASD might involve having a City agency do some of the work. In other cases, the work might be shared by City employees and a private business or not-for-profit organization. And in some examples, it might mean that City employees take over services and programs which at one time were provided by outside suppliers.
What are service improvements?
A service improvement involves streamlining or reorganizing the work involved in providing a service in order to make it more effective and efficient.
What is the difference between ASD and service improvements?
In practical terms, service improvements tend to be smaller in scale than ASD initiatives.
Why is the City making plans for ASD?
This is in response to directions from Council. In February 2000, the Budget Advisory Committee directed staff to prepare an ASD framework for the City. Council followed up this direction in March 2001 by approving an ASD policy fraemwork. In November 2001 Council adopted guidelines for identifying City programs and services which might be suitable for ASD.
Why is Council directing staff to recommend ASD and service improvements?
The goals of ASD and service improvements are to make City services more effective and efficient. Council adopted the following policy for ASD in February 2000.
"The City of Toronto is committed to providing accountable quality services at an affordable cost on a sustainable basis. To this end, the City will systematically review its programs, services and delivery mechanisms and will pursue the most appropriate methods and structures for providing accountable quality service and best value for the municipal tax dollar."
What are the main recommendations of the report?
The report recommends that staff study whether ASD is suitable for four programs and services;
In addition, the report recommends that several other programs should be studied to determine whether service improvements would make them better; and if so, to put these improvements into effect during the next two years.
How did the CAO and Commissioners come to decide that these programs and services might be suitable for ASD or service improvements?
In November 2001 Council adopted guidelines for identifying City programs and services which might be suitable for ASD. The CAO's office and Commissioners organized a team of staff from all departments to apply these guidelines to City services and programs. City activities which met these guidelines were reviewed by the CAO and Commissioners, with advice from a group of Councillors (called the Council Reference Group for ASD). The current list is the result of this review.
Has the City had any recent experience with service improvements?
Since the year 2000, the City has been very active in making service improvements. As a result, the City budget has been reduced by $44.6 million since the start of the year 2000 due to service improvements and efficiencies.
I work for one of the services which is on the list for service improvements. How will this affect me?
In most cases more study is needed before any changes are recommended. If and when changes are planned your supervisors and managers will discuss them with you, and you will be informed of any changes as far in advance as possible.
I work for one of the services which is on the list for ASD. How will this affect me?
No final decisions have been made. If the report's recommendations are approved by Council, staff will study each service on a case-by-case basis to determine whether it is suitable for ASD. Every effort will be made to consult you and your union representatives during the course of the studies.
What are the next steps?
The Policy and Finance Committee will discuss the report on June 6th. The Committee's recommendations go to the June 18th Council meeting for discussion. If Council approves the recommendations, each program and service on the list for ASD and service improvement will be studied on a case-by-case basis. In most cases changes will not take place until later in 2003 and 2004.
Where can I get more information?
The report is a public report. A copy is posted on the City's Web site, as are backgrounders on each program or service which will be studied for ASD purposes.
