Archives for October 17th, 2005

INFORMING CHOICES: A GUIDE FOR INFORMATION PROVIDERS TO 13-19 YEAR OLDS

Book News, PublicNet: 17 October, 2005

This guide from the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority provides those offering information and guidance to learners in year 9 and year 11 with a single document that contains accurate and up-to-date information on the full range of opportunities, qualifications and support available to learners moving into and through the 14-19 phase.The guide responds to the changes taking place in 14-19 learning as a result of the government programme to transform education and training for young people. Qualifications and curricula are evolving and, from 14, young people can learn in different contexts, other than schools, FE colleges or work-based training organizations, as their schools collaborate to meet their individual needs.

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WATCHDOG CALLS FOR MORE AND BETTER SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE

Headlines, PublicNet: 17 October, 2005

The Audit Commission warns that the government must act quickly to protect and improve housing-related support services like sheltered housing for older people, refuges for women fleeing domestic violence and hostels for young homeless people. The Supporting People programme, introduced in 2003, lacks a clear national framework and a long-term financial commitment. The programme brings together a variety of funding sources and has a budget of 1.72 billion pounds. It provides a better quality of life for 1.2 million vulnerable people and helps them live more independently.The programme provides housing-related support which helps prevent problems that could lead to hospitalisation, institutional care or homelessness. Examples include projects which give practical advice and budget counselling for young people leaving care or helping people with learning difficulties develop life skills so they can live on their own. Groups that benefit include people with mental health problems or physical disabilities, travellers, refugees, people with drug or alcohol problems, offenders, older people, teenage parents and women at risk of domestic violence.

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SHARED SERVICES MOVES TO TOP OF EFFICIENCY AGENDA

Headlines, PublicNet: 17 October, 2005

Procurement was identified in the Gershon report as the most fruitful source of efficiency savings across the public sector. This top slot has now been taken by shared services, where a number of central departments, agencies or local councils share common services such as human resources or finance. Although procurement is still likely to deliver the highest immediate cash savings which can be readily quantified, shared services are driving the transformation process. Delivery requires radical thinking which leads to structural change and a shift in culture. The effect is much more far reaching than short term cash savings.A Shared Services team, headed by David Myers, has been set up in the Cabinet Office to look at how government and the wider public sector can achieve significant savings and increased effectiveness from modernising the provision of corporate services. There are over 1300 public sector organisations in the UK and this gives considerable scope to consolidate to share services across organisational boundaries so that common processes are provided faster, better and cheaper.

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