Delivering productivity, performance, financial, and cultural improvements for a 111 provider

Impacts

Savings
10%
Reduction in monthly costs
Efficiency
65%
Improvement in average speed to answer
Productivity
10%
Increase in call handler productivity

Opportunity

A major 111 provider faced challenges in delivering a cost-effective, high-performing service. The organisation was consistently missing its financial and operational targets:

  • ‘Call abandonment rate’ and ‘average speed to answer’ were more than three times the national target
  • Monthly overspend exceeded £1M
  • Staff absence rates were significantly above benchmark levels

Additionally, there was ambiguity and a lack of consensus among senior leaders on the root causes of the challenges, and steps required for improvement.

Approach

TN conducted an in-depth baseline exercise that not only mapped, but also developed alignment on the provider’s activity, costs, staffing model, and operational challenges.

Guided by this diagnostic document, TN co-developed initiatives in three areas, and supported in their implementation by working on the ground with staff at all levels of the organisation:

Systems & processes: 

  • Redesigned planning and scheduling processes to effectively align capacity and demand
  • Co-developed a sustainable workforce model with appropriate skill sets, reduced agency use, and improved rotas

Data & information:

  • Streamlined data flows by building live dashboards, weekly reports, and trackers

People, mindsets & culture:

  • Established consistent and measurable performance expectations for staff via ‘role cards’
  • Supported managers to establish a culture of accountability and a ‘one team’ mentality