By John AdairThe author reinforces his argument that leaders are not born but made. Taking the form of conversations between a young chief executive and the author, it explores the nature and practice of leadership. Each aspect of leadership is studied and discussed, so that the key skills are revealed for anyone to adopt and use to inspire and encourage others. The book addresses the different aspects and dimensions of management from inside out. Because it is thought provoking it helps to develop the qualities of an inspiring leader.

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The head of the Committee on Standards in Public Life believes a move to a locally based system for investigating complaints against councillors would improve the ethical culture within local authorities and would improve public trust. Sir Alistair Graham believes it would also lead to a more proportionate system that would cut the number of minor, vexatious and politically motivated complaints against elected members.Sir Alistair told the annual Assembly of Standards Committees there was evidence that local Standards Committees were under-used and at risk of falling into disrepair. He said a locally based system of investigation would be more effective and would give local Committees the chance to end the abuse of the current system for political ends and for petty point scoring.

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An independent report says that involving local people in decision making delivers improved public services and saves money by targeting local needs more effectively. The report was drawn up for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister and Government units tackling exclusion, based on research by a consortium including SQW Ltd, the University of the West of England, LSE and Whole Systems Development.It finds community involvement is a crucial factor in improving services especially in deprived areas. Using case studies, it shows that the use of different involvement mechanisms, including surveys, questionnaires, discussions, debates and delegating service delivery to users is growing. It concludes that the relatively modest costs involved in this are generally outweighed by the benefits. Those benefits, the report says, include reductions in the cost of services, greater user satisfaction, lower crime rates and reduced fear of crime, better health prospects, improved employment opportunities and more motivated front-line staff.

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