By Sue Beauchamp and Carole Hicks.

Improving services in the public sector is not just about front-line delivery-effective governance and financial management are key drivers for public bodies on the improvement path. Regulatory frameworks are putting these elements in the spotlight as they seek to track additional investment and its impact on services. No longer just about accounting for the money and demonstrating stewardship, financial management in the public services is about giving the right decision support and enabling the right choices. Modern public bodies need to make sure they are financially literate throughout their operations to meet their organizational goals effectively. Self-assessment and improvement planning can work for financial management. The article draws upon the recently launched Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy FM Model.

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The government needs to intervene on a number of fronts to ensure school meals provide a healthy and nutritious diet for a high proportion of children, according to report today from the Child Poverty Action Group. ‘Recipe for change – a good practice guide to school meals’, is the first study of its kind, drawing together practical examples from across the country.

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Spending on long-term care for older people is set for a four-fold increase by the middle of the century as the number of people living into their late 80s and beyond goes up and real care costs rise, according to new projections.

Read more on STUDY PREDICTS FOUR-FOLD RISE IN CARE COSTS FOR OLDER PEOPLE…