By Martin Wilcox, Steve RushThis guide from the Centre for Creative Leadership, the world’s premier leadership research and education institution, describes how managers and organizations can improve the practice of leadership. It examines the skills needed to give and receive feedback, make use of coaching, work with difference, deal with change, achieve work-life balance, and address the issue of expanding the leadership capacity of the organization.

Read more on LEADERSHIP IN ACTION…

A series of measures to cut the bureaucratic burden on hospitals have been announced by the government. They will end the present situation which means that more than 30 bodies can judge hospital performance and even more can make inspection visits.The moves, announced by Health Minister Lord Warner, are designed to reduce red tape and free more time for dealing with patients. Once implemented they will see fewer, more consistent and better-prioritised recommendations from inspectorates and a better co-ordinated system for collecting data from NHS trusts. There will also be joint inspections by regulatory bodies to reduce the number of visits hospitals may face.

Read more on MOVES TO CUT INSPECTION BURDEN FOR HOSPITALS…

All applicants to university and college courses will be able to apply on line within two years. The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is unveiling plans today to extend its electronic services to all applicants by entry for 2006 courses.The move means that as well as carrying out their research into courses via the internet, all potential university and college undergraduates will be able to submit their applications, monitor their progress and accept or decline offers on-line. UCAS says the process is faster and easier than the paper-based system and will enable applicants to apply from anywhere in the world as long as they have access to an Internet-ready computer.

Read more on ONLINE FUTURE FOR STUDENT ADMISSIONS UNVEILED…