By Paul R. NivenThe Balanced Scorecard is the leading methodology for implementing performance management systems and improving efficiency. Focusing directly on the public and not-for-profit sectors, this book helps these organizations overcome the unique challenges they face when implementing a Balanced Scorecard. This results-focused and practical book describes the fundamentals of the Balanced Scorecard concept, advice on how to alter the “geography” of the balanced scorecard to fit public and nonprofit agencies and techniques for developing strategy maps and scorecards throughout the organization.

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Five of the UK’s top social enterprises have been shortlisted for the final of the forthcoming Enterprising Solutions Award, which celebrates the best social and community enterprises in the UK. The awards, which take place later this month, are supported by the Department of Trade and Industry, RBS and NatWest and celebrate the success, innovation, and unique nature of businesses which combine entrepreneurial flair with a passion for social change.To qualify for the award enterprises must have a turnover of less than 3 million pounds, a 3-year track record of financing over 50% of their work through enterprise and show evidence of their commitment to social justice and social change, through seeking to tackle any of the complex social, economic and environmental problems facing society.

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Home Secretary David Blunkett has launched a campaign to encourage police, local councils and other public bodies to give a high priority to tackling anti-social behaviour which ranges from intimidating and thuggish behaviour to environmental crime such as abandoned cars and graffiti. Richard Grant, chair of the Local Government Association’s community safety panel, while welcoming the campaign believes that enforcement is not on its own a lasting solution to the menace of anti-social behaviour. He said there must be sustainable, long-term solutions to stop the problems arising in the first place. He added: “There are no quick fixes. Tough action against perpetrators may make good short term headlines, but unless that is accompanied with long-term action, the victims will be the long-term losers.The LGA is concerned that Central government ensures that councils are free to form local partnerships to enable local action against anti-social behaviour to suit local circumstances. Because what is right for one area, might not be right for another. It believes that there is also room for more joined up thinking across government and the Anti Social Behaviour Unit in the Home Office could fulfill a useful role in ensuring Whitehall departments have a consistent approach.

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