The first national three year Police Plan announced by Home Secretary David Blunkett sets out how the police in partnership with local councils, crime and disorder reduction partnerships, schools, health services, the private security industry, businesses, voluntary organisations, and faith communities can reduce crime. Model framework agreements setting out the respective responsibilities of local crime and disorder reduction partners will be developed over the coming year. 

By Russell M. LindenThe book shows government agencies how to meet the needs of customers seamlessly, that is, in a smooth, effortless, responsive manner. It details a step-by-step approach to assess, design and implement significant change in all levels of government. It also shows how to overcome resistance along the way.
Published by Jossey-Bass. ISBN: 0-7879-0015-X. 33.00 US dollars

Public services are to get broadband Internet access over the next three years at a cost of more than 1 billion pounds. Broadband gives high-speed, always-on connections between computers and the Internet. It is some 35 times faster than a dial up connection. 

Councils are making steady, and in some cases spectacular progress, in areas such as e-Government. Much less progress is being made in changing political processes and the culture that surrounds them. The changed processes have brought a new role of overview and scrutiny for councillors and this role potentially places them at the heart of policy-making and at the heart of the way in which councils respond to the demands of modernization. 

By Mike Sherratt The line between the financial management processes in the public sector and commercial businesses is beginning to blur. Activity based costing, which has been used by businesses for almost two decades, is now being developed in the public sector as a driver for service improvements . The author explains what it is and how it is being applied in the quest for Best Value.

The latest National Computing Centre Survey of IT Staffing shows a growing demand for IT staff in public services and predicts recruitment and retention problems . Almost 30% of public organizations surveyed reported increased demand for IT staff over the next two years. The highest level of growth, at 18 %, was in health and education, while for local and central government the figure was just under 7%. 

Awarding star ratings to social services departments of local councils is starting to drive up performance. Since the stars were first awarded in May this year there have been twelve improvements and six reductions. This has increased the number of three star councils by three and two star councils by two. 

By Harry Scarbrough and Juanita Elias.This report examines the intangible asset of the knowledge, skills and initiative possessed by employees. Although most organizations recognize that employees are their most valuable asset, little is done to evaluate just how valuable it is. The authors argue that it is possible for organizations to measure and manage human capital using methodology designed to suit their own needs and goals. 

A pilot project has been launched to connect 1600 people on a housing estate in London to each other and to the outside world. The project which is led by Newham Council, and supported by public and private sector partners, is one of seven around the UK which forms part of the Department for Education and Skills’ “Wired-Up Communities” initiative. 

The first stage of implementing freedom of information legislation has been set in train with a ‘commencement order’ requiring public bodies to publish details of what information they will make available, how it will be published and whether there will be a charge. Central department must publish these details by the end of November.