Valle MPublic Personnel Management, (USA), Summer 1999 Vol 28 No 2

Start page: 245. No of pages: 13

Argues that public organizations in the USA need a different type of leadership which can cope with the continual and critical levels of environmental change that these organizations face. Sees the primary role of leaders in the public sector as developing an adaptive organizational culture which allow organizations and leaders to succeed in this type of environment. Contrasts leadership processes in a stable environment with leadership processes in a turbulent environment to underline the need for this adaptive culture. Sets out the leadership skills and personal requirements needed to build this type of culture, stressing the need for leaders to be able to build compelling visions of the future and to have the charisma to convince employees of the value of these visions.

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The cross departmental review of crime reduction, which was part of the Spending Review 2000, has come out strongly in support of the local Crime and Disorder Partnerships. They will receive more funding so that they can improve their performance in identifying local problems crossing the crime, health education and environment boundaries. The Partnerships will oversee the implementation of measures based on contributions from all local agencies. There will also be closer working with area Criminal Justice Strategy Committees with the aim of transforming performance in the area.Research has shown clear links between youth crime and other factors and the work of the Partnerships will be supported from other critical areas. It was found that 30% of prisoners truanted when they were at school and there will be initiatives to reduce truancy. Some 60% of young offenders have poor reading skills and targets will be set to raise standards for the bottom 20% of pupils. Targets will also be set for the National Strategy on Alcohol Misuse and for child, adolescent and adult mental health services.

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A pilot scheme starting in April 2001 will allow some 20 councils to decide objectives and set targets based on local needs and key Government priorities. The councils will decide on the objectives in discussion with the local community and other key partners like health trusts and businesses. By signing up to local Public Service Agreements they will escape the rigid prescription of central government initiatives. Rules and regulations that get in the way of better performance will be removed and they will no longer need to produce some statutory plans.To qualify for the pilot, councils will have to stretch the national standards such as those in Best Value plans. They will also have to set local priority targets arising from the Community Plan such as cutting health inequalities or tackling crime or social exclusion.

Read more on WHITEHALL RELAXES GRIP ON LOCAL COUNCILS…