"Gillian from the YC Change team supported and guided us through our CPA re-categorisation inspection.  She developed our project and risk planning processes and supported, encouraged and cajoled us through the project meetings.  As "poacher turned gamekeeper" she provided us with an insight into the process and made us aware of Audit Commission expectations and methodology.  As a result there were no surprises when it came to the real thing.  Her input ensured we were fully prepared and with her support we were able to demonstrate our progress and achievements to the best of our ability.  I feel we may not have been able to do this as comprehensively without her support and commitment.  On a personal note Gill worked well with our team and brought a focused and professional approach to the project.  I would have no hesitation in employing her again and would hope we can work together again at some time in the future."

Civic Centre, Portholme Road, Selby, North Yorkshire, YO8 4SB

Telephone: 01757 210741

 

"We are over the moon that we've finally got the recognition we deserved. Four years ago we were classified as "weak" and now we're "excellent". The YC Change team were absolutely fantastic – they stretched us and challenged us every step of the way. They helped us see how the things that we were doing were not every day run of the mill. I think we'd been that used to being 'labelled' negatively, but Yvonne and Gill helped us get out of that mindset and really celebrate and promote our successes. They were very easy to work with and integrated well with our project team. They "held our hand" throughout the whole process and encouraged and cajoled us along the way. They were an excellent team, very professional and always delivered on time. I would have no hesitation in working with them again and am happy to recommend them to any of my public sector colleagues."

Civic Centre, Portholme Road, Selby, North Yorkshire, YO8 4SB

Telephone: 01757 210741

 

 "Yvonne Castle worked to support the Council's Comprehensive Performance Assessment in May 2008.  Having been highly recommended by a previous client, another local authority, we already had an idea of the sort of support that she would offer.  We agreed a number of ways we would like Yvonne to work with us that included reviewing our self-assessment, assessing our proposed evidence list and undertaking mock interviews with officers and members selected for interview by the Audit Commission.  She was very well prepared and undertook supportive yet challenging interviews designed to get the best out of attendees and to help them to better prepare for the 'real thing'.  A really positive detail was Yvonne gave each person a list of potential questions and areas for further investigation.  Finally Yvonne presented a well researched and informative overview of her findings to our Executive members and senior officers after completion of interviews.  She knew her subject area well and her past experience of having undertaken CPA inspections was evident in the attention to detail and knowledge of potential inspection questions.  Yvonne's work definitely helped us to better prepare for our inspection and I would highly recommend her to any other local authority or similar organisation going, or planning to go, through an external assessment."

Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire, DE7 5RP

Telephone: 0115 907 2241

 

"Yvonne, I would like to offer my personal thanks for helping us to prepare for this inspection.   Your desktop review of the self assessment was pivotal in getting our submission right and the mock inspection was invaluable as a dry run through a safe environment.   Both of these elements have been key to our success."

Hambleton District Council (scored excellent through CPA)

Civic Centre, Stonecross, Northallerton, North Yorkshire , DL6 2UU

Telephone: 0845 1211 555