Kouzmin A, Loffler E, Klages H, Korac-Kakabadse NThe International Journal of Public Sector Management, (UK), 1999 Vol 12 No 2

Start page: 119. No of pages: 24

Explores the difficulties associated with performance measurement in the public sector, and looks at benchmarking as a means of measuring levels of performance through the introduction of competition into a state system traditionally characterized by co-operation rather than competition. Questions whether benchmarking stimulates competition or fulfils the performance measurement needs of public organizations. Examines the progress from benchmarking to learning strategies within Europe, drawing a number of conclusions about expanding German and other European benchmarking experiences, which point towards benchmarking as an exceptional activity in many public sectors.

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Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett has formally announced the jobs and learning Internet portal, which will go on line later in the year. See Publicnet Briefing 9 December 1999. It has become clear that the initiative will be implemented through a Public Private Partnership with EDS. The Department for Education and Employment will invest 68m pounds over two years and there will be additional investment from EDS. Substantial funding will be needed to install kiosks in pubs, cafes and community centres to give wide access to the service.Initially there will be some 400,000 vacancies on the database and in addition there will be links to other sources of vacancy information such as private recruitment agencies and newspapers. A search engine will match jobs, career or learning interests. Learning information will be set out alongside the relevant jobs. People will be able to follow up a job advert by telephoning a jobs line.

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Trials of the Community Legal Service have proved successful. An independent evaluation of the Pioneer Partnerships launched at the beginning of 1999 found that bringing together funders and providers of legal advice does provide better access to services for those who need help, but are unsure where to turn.The new service, which involves a fundamental change in the way legal advice and services are organised, will be rolled out nationally on 3 April. It is designed to end the fragmented and unplanned services that have grown up over the years. Organisations that make up the current service include local authorities, the Legal Aid Board, Citizens Advice Bureaux, Age Concern and housing rights and legal advice centres. The Pioneer Partnerships succeeded in bringing all the players together in the locality and in developing their own strategies within the broad national framework.

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