The government claims in its first annual report on the project, that its ‘Excellence in the Cities’ programme is delivering improvements in education.Publicnet Briefing reported yesterday (Wednesday, January 24), that another of the Government’s projects to drive up education standards – the Education Action Zones – could be sidelined in a second Labour term.

Read more on EXCELLENCE IN CITIES ANNUAL REPORT…

The Institute of Fiscal Studies (IFS) is welcoming plans to modernise the system of benefits surrounding children.Its study into the proposal shows that it should deliver Government objectives aimed at directing maximum support to children in poverty.

Read more on OPTIONS FOR INTEGRATED CHILD CREDIT…

Horton SThe International Journal of Public Sector Management, (UK), 2000 Vol 13 No 4. Start page: 354. No of pages: 15

Investigates the extent of competency-based management in the British civil service based on a survey of civil service departments. Reports the widespread use of competency frameworks but the lack of a common framework, the introduction tending to be fragmented and ad hoc. Also states that it would appear to be difficult to develop competency frameworks. Details the holistic approaches to competency management adopted by four departmental agencies and one government department before outlining other developments in competency management, such as the introduction of national vocational qualifications, the Citizen’s Charter, the Investors in People award and, most importantly, the benchmarking of all departments and departmental agencies based on the European Business Excellence Model.

Read more on COMPETENCY AND MANAGEMENT IN THE BRITISH CIVIL SERVICE…