We publish research findings, polling data, policy papers and case studies to help build awareness and understanding of the industry among government officials, MPs, opinion formers and other stakeholders.
Policy Reports
BSA Corporate Responsibility Report 2012 - 16 Feb 2012
The BSA has published its Corporate Responsibility Report outlining "A Responsible Approach to Outsourcing and Business Services". It charts the scope and development of responsible business practice undertaken within the industry.
A new landscape in education - a short guide for partnering with the private sector - 16 Feb 2012
In an increasingly fragmented market place, commissioners of education services are more and more likely to look to independent sector providers. This report highlights how partnerships with the independent sector can prove beneficial for all involved.
BSA publishes 2011 annual review of the industry - 07 Nov 2011
This is the fourth in a series of reports which charts the development of the outsourced services industry. What is becoming clearer is that the industry is a UK success story - making up 8% of the economy and employing 10% of the workforce. BSA members demonstrate how that growth is sustainable. The businesses referred to in this report know that the foundations of their future success sit side-by-side with their communities’ future prosperity.
Autumn Statement letter to the Chancellor - 04 Nov 2011
The BSA’s submission to the 2011 Autumn Statement makes the case that the first precondition for economic growth in businesses of all sizes is economic confidence. We also identify ways in which the government’s agenda on growth and public services reform can be developed.
BSA and Pinsent Masons: Making Mutuals Work - 26 Oct 2011
This report is a response to the Rt. Hon. Francis Maude's speech at the BSA Annual Lecture, which called for the private sector to help find ways to make mutuals work.
PFI and beyond - Separating fact from fiction for future success - 21 Sep 2011
This report untangles the myths and lack of understanding of Private Finance Iniatives as a valuable method of injecting private investment into public infrastructure.
Oxford Economics: The size of the UK outsourcing market – across the private and public sectors - 01 May 2011
Groundbreaking research on the size and economic impact of the outsourcing industry on the UK economy:
The report, commissioned by the BSA and produced by Oxford Economics, shows the huge contribution made by the outsourcing sector to the UK economy on a range of fronts. Often the debate around our industry is influenced by the lack of good data and a clear definition. In this report we attempt to address both issues. The report is part of our continuing drive to build up the knowledge base in the hope that we can help inform constructive debates about a sector of great importance to the UK economy.
Saving the NHS £1 billion by outsourcing support services - 01 Apr 2011
Only 38% of NHS support services are currently outsourced. By comparing Primary Care Trusts which outsource over 75% of their hotel and estate management services with those which outsource below this level, this report shows how the NHS could acheive savings of £1 billion through increased outsourcing.
Outsourced and Business Services - Delivering More for Less - 20 Sep 2010
In this prevailing austerity, failing to optimise the benefits of outsourcing is a mistake:
The aim of this report is to set out the benefits the industry brings to its private and public clients in terms of improving standards, cutting costs, investing in training, commitment to social responsibility and energy efficiency. With these benefits in mind, the report then highlights areas of public sector activity which could benefit from the management and operational techniques described.
Outsourcing: Myths and Reality - 06 Sep 2010
Myths and Truths in the Outsourcing and Business Services Industry:
The BSA aims to clear up some concerns about outsourcing.
BSA Policy Manifesto 2010 - 01 Mar 2010
Three policy priorities for the business and outsourced services industry:
To really maximise the potential of the industry the BSA urges the government to take action in the following areas: productivity, procurement and fair competition.
BSA Pensions Discussion Paper - 01 Feb 2010
Changing pensions transfer terms for better outsourcing:
Well-structured changes to pensions transfer terms will enable more efficient delivery of public services from a greater range of providers, provide greater access to sources of capital for the improved delivery of public services and enhance Fair Deal objectives for protecting employees' benefits.
Defence Procurement: A discussion paper - 04 Jan 2010
How the Ministry of Defence can improve Value for Money in the provision of support services:
Whoever is in government this year, shaping a defence policy amid austerity will be difficult. The Ministry of Defence must look for new ways to make savings while not compromising quality of service. This paper draws on BSA members' experience and is intended to be a constructive reflection on how procurement processes can be developed further.
Outsourced and Business Services - Proven Providers - 07 Sep 2009
Focusing on efficiency will not be enough to balance the books:
Fundamental reform of public services is needed. The private sector has a greater role to play in driving quality, innovation and productivity. The aim of this report is to shed more light on the work of the companies delivering public services. It also looks at the barriers which restrict further progress.
Improving the UK's skill-base in a recession - 01 Dec 2008
Investing in skills is more important than ever:
This discussion note aims to develop the BSA's policy position on the current economic downturn and the skills agenda.
Outsourced and Business Services - A UK Success Story - 03 Nov 2008
An industry driving improved productivity, raising standards and investing in people:
The UK outsourced an business services industry is one of the largest sectors in the country and plays a significant role in delivering choice, innovation and diversity across the private and public sectors. The aim of this report is to chart the growth of the industry, the economic and social contributions it makes, and to set out recommendations to government as to how its achievements can be continued.
Consultation Responses
BSA response: A revised regulatory framework for social housing in England from April 2012 - 09 Feb 2012
BSA PFI Submission - 23 Jan 2012
BSA EU Procurement Proposals - 20 Jan 2012
BSA review of Recycling Services - 18 Jan 2012
BSA response on Real Time Information “RTI” - 11 Jan 2012
BSA submission to HMRC Paper 'Legislative changes relating to the introduction of Real Time Information' - 09 Jan 2012
Response to “Towards Zero Waste One Wales: One Planet” Consultation - 04 Jan 2012
Consultation response to Caring for our future: Shared ambitions for care and support - 04 Jan 2012
BSA Response to Open Data Consultation: Making Open Data Real - 27 Oct 2011
BSA submission to the Red Tape Challenge - Employment Law - 21 Oct 2011
BSA response to Department of Education's review on Education Capital - 12 Oct 2011
BSA challenge Minister for Government Policy and give response to the Open Public Services White Paper - 30 Sep 2011
BSA submission - Implementing social housing reform: directions to the Social Housing Regulator - 29 Sep 2011
BSA Waste Review - 28 Sep 2011
BSA response to the Government's consultation on Controlled Foreign Companies (CFC) reform - 23 Sep 2011
BSA on the Red Tape Challenge and the Environment - 22 Sep 2011
Consultation response to MoD Green Paper on equipment, support and technology - 28 Mar 2011
Response to 'Resolving worforce disputes' consultation - 21 Mar 2011
BSA submission - Home Affairs Select Committee inquiry into ‘The New Landscape of Policing’ - 14 Mar 2011
BSA final submission to Hutton Pension Review - 17 Dec 2010
BSA reponse to the Independent Public Service Pensions Commission - 29 Jul 2010
BSA response to HMT's CSR 'Spending Challenge' - 19 Jul 2010
Consultation response - 'Commissioning Green Paper' - 25 Jan 2010
Submission to white paper on public service reform - 11 Jan 2010
BSA response to BIS consultation on the Agency Workers Directive - 12 Oct 2009
BSA response to draft ABS guidance - 06 Apr 2009
BSA response to Regulatory Reform Enquiry - 16 Feb 2009
BSA response to DIUS consultation on the Draft Apprenticeships Bill - 13 Oct 2008
BSA response to DCSF consultation: The management of BSF waves 7 to 15 - 16 Jun 2008
Budget Submissions
Budget Submission 2012 - 08 Feb 2012
The BSA's Budget submission for 2012
Budget Submission 2011 - 15 Dec 2010
As part of our ongoing dialogue with HM Treasury, this submission makes the case that support and business service outsourcing should be considered part of the solution to the UK's fiscal problems.
Submission to Emergency Budget - 08 Jun 2010
The BSA's submission to the new Chancellor's Emergency Budget aims to demonstrate that BSA members are ready and willing to help the new Coalition realise its objectives.
Budget Submission 2010 - 11 Jan 2010
The BSA's 2010 Budget Submission aims to counter the areas of institutional resistance to the principle of outsourcing. An increasingly robust and political response in challenging this culture for the benefit of the customer and taxpayer alike.
Pre-Budget Report Submission 2009/2010 - 07 Dec 2009
The BSA has used its pre-Budget report submission this year to stress the need to challenge the institutional resistance to the principle of outsourcing, to reform and simplify procurement processes at local and national level, and to maintain a stable and competitive rate of corporation tax.
Budget Submission 2009 - 12 Jan 2009
The BSA's Budget submission this year sends a clear warning to the government that the increasingly onerous requirements for providing expensive and volatile defined benefit pension schemes for former public sector workers is creating a significant deterrent to private sector providers bidding for public sector contracts.
Pre-Budget Report Submission 2008/2009 - 08 Dec 2008
The BSA has this year used its pre-Budget report submission to express concerns that despite positive statements from Ministers, it is apparent that in some areas the use of the private sector has slowed down. The BSA believes there are considerable delivery gains and service improvements to be made across the full range of public sector services by using the expertise of the private sector.
Case Studies
Serco: HMP Doncaster Case Study - 29 Jul 2011
HM Prison Doncaster is one of a number of prisons run by for-profit companies. It has been run by Serco Custodial Services since opening in 1994. In March 2011, Serco was awarded a further 15-year contract to operate the prison on a payment-by-results basis. In 2010, an independent evaluation found that “the prison is considered to be leading the way in terms of the rehabilitation revolution”. This case study, written by leading think tank Reform, provides further information on Serco's work here.
Babcock: Integrated team approach delivering innovative and best value solution - 19 May 2011
The Bristol Bath Total Facilities Managment (BBTFM) project is a £50m organic growth development of the South West Regional Prime Contract. It is the first time an extensive soft services (domestic) contract has been incorporated into the Regional Prime Contract.
Balfour Beatty Workplace and DWP: A flexible, fresh approach to service transformation - 19 May 2011
Balfour Beatty Workplace (BBW) was appointed as the national provider of office support services to over 100,000 civil servants in over 750 sites across the UK with the TUPE transfer of over 2,200 staff. With BBW's knowledge and understanding of the DWP business and culture and its expertise in change management, the two organisations worked closely together to create a model that can be amended to meet business demands and benefit both the customer and the supplier.