Archives for August 1998

HOW TO KEEP ON GETTING BETTER AND BETTER

Headlines, PublicNet: 28 August, 1998

Local authorities have been provided with detailed ideas on how theyl
can improve themselves and reform how they operate.

The information comes in a joint report from the Local Government Association
and the Local Government Management Board which highlights the importance of sustainability in implementing the Government’s new Best Value framework for local government.

Read more on HOW TO KEEP ON GETTING BETTER AND BETTER…



LOOK AT THE PATIENT AS WELL AS THE LIST – NHS CONFEDERATION

Headlines, PublicNet: 28 August, 1998

There’s been a general welcome for new figures demonstrating a reduction in NHS waiting lists, but a call for the current purge on the problem not to
overshadow other important indicators of performance.

Read more on LOOK AT THE PATIENT AS WELL AS THE LIST – NHS CONFEDERATION…

MAKING IT HAPPEN – A NON-TECHNICAL GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT

Book News, PublicNet: 28 August, 1998

Mackenzie Kyle

A godsent for every harrowed manager who needs to learn the ins and outs of project management….yesterday. Written in a compelling narrative form, Making it Happen follows the trials and tribulations of a middle manager who has had a career threatening project thrust upon him, as he learns the ropes of project management the hard way.

Read more on MAKING IT HAPPEN – A NON-TECHNICAL GUIDE TO PROJECT MANAGEMENT…

A SUITABLE OLD BOY ?

Abstracts, PublicNet: 27 August, 1998

Senior-Level Recruitment

Arkin A, Mullen J
People Management, (UK), 30 Apr 98 (4/9)
Start page: 28 No of pages: 6

Assesses the evidence that the ‘old boy’ network is still prevalent in recruitment for senior posts in the UK civil service and other public and private sector organizations. Quotes from those who believe that women and people from ethnic minorities have been excluded from top civil service appointments and those who believe that the system is procedurally fair. Turns to the private sector and looks at the recruitment systems used to appoint senior managers. Notes that only half of the companies in a recent survey used formal recruitment systems; the other half relying on personal recommendations or internal appointments. Again finds splits in opinion over whether the ‘old boy’ system still prevails in the private sector. Concludes that recruitment in both sectors is inconsistent – formal and informal recruitment methods continuing to exist side-by-side, despite calls for the professionalization of senior recruitment. Considers the implications of this inconsistency.

Read more on A SUITABLE OLD BOY ?…

COMPETITION AS A MEANS OF PROCURING PUBLIC SERVICES

Abstracts, PublicNet: 26 August, 1998

Lessons for the UK from the US experience

Smyth J D The International Journal of Public Sector Management, (UK), Vol 10 No 1/2 97 Start page: 21 No of pages: 26

Read more on COMPETITION AS A MEANS OF PROCURING PUBLIC SERVICES…

CERVICAL SCREENING – MORE WORK NEEDED TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE

Headlines, PublicNet: 26 August, 1998

Rebuilding women’s confidence has been identified as a key task ahead of the

NHS cervical screening programme.

NHS managers are also being advised to improve the status and pay of the
trained staff whose job it is to check smears, after several well-publicised
failures.

Read more on CERVICAL SCREENING – MORE WORK NEEDED TO RESTORE CONFIDENCE…

INLAND REVENUE – THE FUTURE’S ON THE PHONE

Headlines, PublicNet: 26 August, 1998

The Inland Revenue has announced details of ambitious plans to provide a faster and more efficient service to taxpayers – which will cut down paperwork.

As from October 1st this year people will be able to notify their local tax
office of a range of changes to their tax status over the phone – without
having to confirm anything in writing. The ability to make telephone changes
to tax affairs was made possible by the Finance Act 1998.

Read more on INLAND REVENUE – THE FUTURE’S ON THE PHONE…

INNOVATION AND RISK TAKING

Abstracts, PublicNet: 25 August, 1998

Breaking Free of Bureaucracy

Leadbeater C
Financial Times, (UK), 28 Apr1998 Start page: 16 No of pages: 1

Spotlights the activities of Norma Redfearn, head teacher of West Walker primary school in Newcastle (north-east England) since 1986, and described as a civic entrepreneur; describes the desperate state that the school was in when she joined, and explains how education of families as well as pupils has acted as a catalyst in reviving the school and the community. Describes the nature of civic entrepreneurship, stressing its collaborative nature, and outlines what is needed to make the public sector more entrepreneurial, e.g. government financing of risk-taking.

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ALLIANCES MADE IN PREPARATION FOR THE BATTLE FOR LONDON

Headlines, PublicNet: 25 August, 1998

Seven London councils have got together to fight their corner in the build-up
to the capital having its own mayor and assembly.

The West London Alliance aims to provide a clear voice for its residents and
businesses. Its backers say it will provide a strategic voice and speak more loudly than each council working individually.

Read more on ALLIANCES MADE IN PREPARATION FOR THE BATTLE FOR LONDON…

CIVIL SERVICE NUMBERS SHOW TRENDS IN STAFF USE

Headlines, PublicNet: 25 August, 1998

New Government figures for the numbers of civil servants employed shows how use of casual labour has made the resource more flexible, and how the service has come to depend on part-time working to secure the workforce it needs.

Read more on CIVIL SERVICE NUMBERS SHOW TRENDS IN STAFF USE…

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