By Gill RinglandThe author shows how scenario thinking can help public sector organizations think about uncertainty in a structured way. The book focuses on the use of scenarios for developing public policy, whether by engaging the public or for use within government. Drawing on a wealth of global examples, Scenarios in Public Policy, provides managers at all levels with the knowledge, best practice guidelines and a practical toolkit to use scenarios in the public sector.

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The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development recommends employers to give clear advice to their employees on the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel. This follows the government’s proposal to allow the police to prosecute an employer who “causes or permits” a worker to use a mobile phone while driving. It also advises organisations about the need to prepare for the possibility of new legislation.The Institute has warned that employers need to make it clear to employees, particularly those who do a lot of driving as part of their work, that they should not make or receive calls, using a hand held phone, while driving. This will ensure that they protect employees, other road users and themselves. The basic advice is that employees need to pull over and switch off the engine if they want to use a mobile phone.

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Information to support the development of the health workforce is held in isolated pockets without any links between them. The three main databases are held by the NHS national censuses, workforce development confederations across the country and the postgraduate deaneries responsible for medical training and they all operate independently. Data is also held by other employers and regulatory bodies.A Review of Workforce Information Needs has proposed far-reaching changes in the processes and planning systems for workforce development. It recommends a comprehensive review of existing information about the workforce in order to develop a robust dataset to support the new arrangements. As the health service changes, access to reliable data becomes more important. It is crucial to know about new ways of working and changes in skills and skill mix and changes in employment practices such as greater diversity in recruitment.

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