A practical example of tackling social exclusion has been backed by the
Government as one of the key ways the Government will deliver its new pledge
on poverty.

Neighbourhood Renewal Minister Hilary Armstrong said Centrepoint’s
initiative on tackling youth homelessness in County Durham was one of those
projects which made a real difference to people’s lives.

Read more on TACKLING SOCIAL EXCLUSION IN PRACTICE…

Local Education Authorities (LEAs)have been further marginalised after the
Government’s announcement that schools will received a larger slice of the
Schools Standards Fund direct.

The fund has been enlarged to 1.6 billion pounds for 2000-2001, from one
billion previously.

Read more on MORE POWER TO HEADTEACHERS…

Pfeffer J, Sutton R I
Harvard Business Review, (USA), May-Jun 1999 Vol 77 No 3
Start page: 135. No of pages: 8

Considers that modern organizations tend to be all talk and no action.
Traces the origins of the over-respect of ‘smart talk’ to business schools
which grade students on their ability to participate in discussion. Notes
research which shows that negative criticism is considered more impressive
than positive contribution and the use of over-complexity in order to
impress. Cites examples of organizations which exemplify the five
characteristics of action-orientation: strong, hands-on leadership; use of
plain language and simple concepts; asking ‘how’ not ‘why’; mechanisms
which turn talk into action; and respect for experience.

Read more on THE SMART TALK TRAP…