By Alastair Evans and Mike WaltersThe book shows how managers can measure the impact of absence on their own organisations, including the causes and cost, while offering guidance on how to build an effective programme. As well as case studies, the book offers sample policies plus guidance on the legal and disciplinary aspects of absence management. It demonstrates that effective absence management needs to be balanced and tailored. Individual cases need to be systematically managed, supported by initiatives and incentives that support improved attendance. Its message is that ‘prevention is better than cure’.

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The London School of Economics and Columbia University have jointly launched an MPA in Public and Economic Policy. The degree is essentially a public sector MBA. The course lasts for two years and brings together the LSE’s expertise in the social sciences with individual and group working experience of public sector problems, policies and management.The MPA is devised to meet the needs of government departments and public agencies in many countries for highly skilled and professional policy-makers. It also meets the needs of people working with governments – in the private sector, consultancy, public affairs, the media and non-governmental organisations. It is designed to equip talented students with professional skills and knowledge to undertake and advise on public policy-making and implementation in a wide range of contexts.

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The 1.3 million incidents of work-related violence a year affect staff morale and lead to high absenteeism, recruitment and staff turnover problems. As support for the Health and Safety Commission’s target to cut incidents of violence at work by 10 per cent by the end of 2003, the Employment National Training Organisation has devised a set of standards. They are designed to help employing organizations to manage work-related violence and aggression and provide an input to policies on managing violence as well as offering a framework for managers and staff to assess training needs and evaluate training outcomes.The Standards are aimed at a range of different occupational and management roles. Among the topics they cover are how to investigate a violent incident in the workplace, developing procedures to control risks to health and safety and making sure actions contribute to a safe working environment. Detailed guidance is available specifically for the health and education sectors.

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