This programme is now available to view on egovtv.tv, the online television channel for public service modernisation. It reviews ways of implementing new flexible working practices that can help deliver local authority-wide efficiencies and savings, as endorsed by the Gershon Efficiency Review. By freeing staff from their desks, service professionals can get closer to the customer to increase service levels and efficiencies, executive staff can work together more effectively and substantial savings can be achieved from better use of office space.”New Ways of Working” includes discussion panels, interviews and case studies providing insight into the opportunities of flexible working and the technologies and organisational change management required for its successful implementation. Panel discussions range over building the business case for new ways of working, examining the business drivers and benefits for changing traditional office-based work, and some successful approaches undertaken by pioneering organisations.

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Ballot papers are going out to pharmacists offering a new contract to provide a wider range of services and a revised basis for payment. It will give them an incentive to broaden the range of services they offer to their community. The principle of payments related to volume of medicines dispensed will be replaced by new arrangements to reward them for the range and quality of services they provide. If there is a ‘yes’ vote to accept the contract, the new services will start in April 2005.The new contract offers pharmacists payments for services such as checking people’s blood pressure, monitoring blood glucose levels, offering smoking cessation services and generally promoting healthy lifestyles. It also provides for supporting self-care and the management of common ailments and helping patients to get the best from their medicines.

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Sir Andrew Turnbull, head of the Civil Service, has responded to the Gershon efficiency report which called for central government departments to adopt a more professional approach. He has launched a Professional Skills for Government programme to equip the more senior ranks of civil servants with key business skills and an in-depth knowledge of their own professional area.Under the programme the work of civil servants is divided into three basic competencies. For policy expertise and analysis, the traditional area of senior civil servants, individuals will have skills in economics or social and scientific research, but they must also have experience of managing the business of government and making change happen.

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