Plans for rescuing failing schools have moved forward with the announcement of the organisations that will take part in rescue operations. Framework contracts for consultancy work relating to LEA interventions have been awarded to KPMG, Lorien, Capita, Office of Public Management, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, and Arthur Andersen/Birmingham LEA. 

Powerful non-legislative levers backing up existing regulation is a better way of fighting discrimination than more regulation. This is the finding of the Better Regulation Task Force, an independent advisory body, which has been at work since September 1997. 

Mabey C, Skinner D
The International Journal of Public Sector Management, (UK), 1998 Vol 11 No 6
Start page: 494. No of pages: 15.
Examines the meaning of empowerment and its adoption in a UK Next Steps Agency. Finds that little research exists regarding the views of those on the receiving end of empowerment programmes. Explores this and related issues through interviews with staff at two headquarters sites and two operational sites.