By Lynn Taylor

This is an indispensable guide to dealing with challenging, childish boss behavior and building a great career. Based on extensive interviews and research it helps employees understand their managers and how to cope with them when they are difficult and frustrating. It reveals the most common irritating boss behaviors, including childish and bullying antics. Most people simply endure the tirades, mood swings, and incessant questions of their tyrannical bosses, but this book shows readers how to build positive relationships with even the most out-of-control boss, and still thrive in their jobs.

Read more on TAME Y0UR TERRIBLE OFFICE TYRANT…

National recession-busting schemes to help business, mortgages and employment are achieving varying levels of success, but locally-tailored
interventions can produce quicker and better results. The Audit Commission has found many examples of successful local schemes and it wants councils to be proactive and prepare to combat a wide range of social problems.

Read more on WATCHDOG CALLS FOR MORE LOCAL RECESSION BUSTING ACTION…

Councils have been hit by a £4bn deficit in income over the course of the last two years as the recession has taken its toll.

Figures published by the Local Government Association show that sales of land, council buildings and other capital projects have fallen by £2.7bn since 2007/08. The other main cause of loss is lower interest on council’s cash deposits. This resulted in a fall of £1.3bn. Income has also gone down from leisure centres and a range of other services.

Read more on RECESSION REDUCES COUNCIL INCOME…

This review by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development describes employee engagement as a key element in the performance of organizations.

The review found clear evidence that engagement levels are low and recommends that the government should use its unique position to bring together interested parties to jointly develop solutions designed to meet their specific needs.

Read more on EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT CRUCIAL TO RAISING PERFORMANCE…

Communities and Local Government have called on public services to think more widely about how communities can become more cohesive. The call comes as it is increasingly recognized that the silo approach of launching cohesion projects funded by cohesion budgets and managed by people with a responsibility for cohesion cannot deliver the desired change. To create a real shift in thinking it is essential for cohesion to become part of the everyday duties and functions of all departments and partners.

Read more on CALL FOR PUBLIC SERVICES TO ‘DO COHESION’ ACROSS THE BOARD…

Young adults represent a disproportionate number of those behind bars, those unemployed and those suffering from mental and physical health problems. They make up 12 per cent of Britain’s population. More needs to be done to support them.

Read more on MANY YOUNG ADULTS ARE VULNERABLE SAYS REPORT…

The Public Services Forum was formed in 2003 to improve dialogue between government, trade unions and public service employers. This report describes the achievements of the forum.

The Forum played a significant role in providing access to skills by the inclusion of conditions in public service contracts. The effect was to give many of those who work on relevant government contracts the opportunity to develop skills they may currently lack, and will help those same employees access valuable information.

Read more on PUBLIC SERVICES FORUM…

Birmingham city council is asking meals on wheels recipients and suppliers to suggest their ‘dream dish’ in an effort to ensure the service reflects the changing nature of the city. The calls for menu suggestions is part of an on-going consultation on the service with the aim of delivering meals to more than half a million extra people.

Read more on CITY WANTS MEALS ON WHEELS SERVICE TO REFLECT CHANGING POPULATION…

Changes to planning regulations in Wales will make it easier for householders to install solar panels and other micro-generation equipment. The changes will come into effect from the beginning of next month and go further than similar rules in England.

Read more on WALES EASES PLANNING RULES ON MICRO-GENERATION SYSTEMS…

This programme is now available to view on egovtv.tv, the online television channel for public service modernisation. It describes a pioneering mobile chemotherapy service from cancer charity Tenovus.

The charity uses a hi-tech mobile clinic from specialist supplier EMS to deliver treatment in the heart of local communities. The mobile unit, which houses comprehensive facilities, opens up to over 50m2. Several patients can be treated at the same time.

Read more on TAKING CANCER CARE INTO THE COMMUNITY…