Shared services is more than just centralisation or consolidation of similar activities in one location. It is the convergence and streamlining of similar functions within an organisation, or across organisations, to ensure that they are delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible. The following resources provide guidance and information on shared services and gives specific working examples of it in practice.

MGS PDFs to download

Shared services: Museums Galleries Scotland: 2010
This paper provides guidance on the range of information and resource recently made available to those considering shared services.

Other PDFs to download

Sharing the load: Museums & Galleries New South Wales: 2011
This paper gives examples of shared services in an Australian context.

SHARE Network of museums professionals: Museums Galleries Scotland: 2011

This case study looks at the SHARE Network (East of England) that has been facilitating cost effective skills development through the sharing of local expertise, time and resources.

Links to downloads from other websites

Shared Service Guidance Framework. Scottish Government, 2007
This framework aims to provide information, education, guidance and case study examples on shared services.

Links to other websites

Shared services. Improvement Service
The Improvement Service website provides information on current shared service activity happening across the UK, with particular emphasis on developments in Scotland.

Sharing the Gain. CIPFA, 2010
CIPFA provides a few resources on shared services and collaborative working, the key item being the Sharing the Gain report.