Bids to share in the Partnership Programme for Independent and State Schools were eight times greater than the budget can support. The Programme provides for children from state and independent schools to take part in a range of initiatives to raise education standards and build lasting links between their schools. Partnerships help youngsters to develop new skills that may not emerge from working alone. Staff also benefit from sharing experience and best practices. 

The Department of Social Security has responded to the call to Whitehall departments to get greener for the new millennium. The new greening strategy is set out in a Policy Statement, signed by Social Security Minister Angela Eagle and the Permanent Secretary Rachel Lomax.
The supporting Improvement Programme focuses on the organisation and
delivery of services.