Nominations have opened for the latest Public Servants of the Year Awards, which celebrate success across all the public services and recognise team as well as individual achievements. The awards, sponsored by CIPFA, the Cabinet Office and the Office of Government Commerce, support improvement in and aim to raise the profile of all public services.They were begun to help the exchange of innovative ideas and good practice and to remind the general public of the valuable and important work done by public sector workers each day.

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The Local Government Association has teamed up with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister to develop a tool designed to help local authorities deliver real improvement in the services they provide for their communities. The National Procurement Strategy for Local Government was launched by Local Government Minister, Phil Hope.Procurement is seen as a critical issue for all councils and is also a key component in the Government’s modernisation agenda for local government. The joint strategy for councils has been drawn up to ensure that value for money and efficiency savings are obtained on a continuing basis.

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This report from the Department of Trade and Industry sets out details of a new company form for social and community business. It is designed specifically for enterprises that use their profits and assets for the benefit of the local community and / or the wider public. Community Interest Companies will combine entrepreneurial spirit with a sense of social purpose to deliver new opportunities and services where they are most needed.This new company form will provide a platform for dynamic and sustainable businesses with strong social objectives. It will enable social entrepreneurs to attract investment from new sources. It will also benefit the communities in which they operate and contribute to the Government’s wider aim of prosperity for all. The CIC fills a gap in the range of legal forms that are currently available. It will combine the well-understood company model with a test of community benefit and a simple and transparent mechanism to lock profits into the company. It will be a useful tool for many organisations undertaking social enterprise activities.

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