By Joel Kurtzman

From one of the most respected names in business and leadership, a rare look at the specifics of how great leaders achieve “common purpose” and success within their organizations.

Read more on COMMON PURPOSE: HOW GREAT LEADERS GET ORGANIZATION TO ACHIEVE THE EXTRAORDINARY…

A lack of joined-up working in Whitehall is threatening to derail the Government’s Total Place initiative, according to the New Local Government Network. In one of the most detailed studies so far of Total Place, research has found that a lack of coherence between Government departments and a historic reluctance to devolve power is putting the project at risk.

Read more on TOTAL PLACE AT RISK FROM LACK OF JOINED UP WORKING SAYS THINK TANK…

Three teaching unions are stepping up their opposition to proposals for regular check-ups to ensure staff are fit to teach. Resolutions to be debated at a series of conferences over Easter call for the plans, which are curently being debated, to be dropped.

Read more on TEACHERS STEP UP OPPOSITION TO LICENCE PROPOSALS…

This programme is now available to view on localgov.tv the online television channel for public service modernisation. It describes how Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has saved half a million pounds after introducing the EMC Documentum solution.

Read more on REDCAR AND CLEVELAND CUT COSTS WITH ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT…

Business leaders say the public sector could save at least 25 billion pounds a year by reforming the way it buys goods and services. In a report today the Institute of Directors argues that within three years a radical restructuring of public sector procurement could bring annual savings of 15 billion a year and greater use of shared services and outsourcing could save a further 10 billion pounds.

Read more on DIRECTORS SET OUT PLANS TO SAVE BILLIONS IN PUBLIC SECTOR PROCUREMENT…

Teachers students, parents and the general public still see A-levels and GCSEs in a positive light according to a new survey. The study, carried out for Ofqual the exams regulator, by Ipsos MORI, found that the number of teachers with concerns about A-levels has grown.

Read more on TEACHERS AND PUPILS STILL POSITIVE ABOUT A-LEVELS AND GCSEs…

By Phil Neal

Budget are coming under pressure across the public services. Although education is a priority with some ring fencing, there will be no exemption from the pain of cuts. The author offers a range of suggestions for pain free cost savings.

Read more on COST CUTTING IN EDUCATION – IS IT CRUNCH TIME FOR SCHOOLS?…

The Government’s Decent Homes Programme is being criticised by a group of MPs who say huge amounts of money have been spent without there being enough information on the impact of the scheme. The Public Accounts Committee says initial estimates of the cost failed to take account of the cost to local councils and landlords.

Read more on MPs CRITICISE MANAGEMENT OF DECENT HOMES PROGRAMME…

Council leaders have called for a dramatic reduction in the amount of taxpayers’ money being spent on inspecting and assessing local authorities. The Local Government Association said the current cost of the new Comprehensive Area Assessment system is unsustainable.

Read more on COUNCILS WANT DRAMATIC CUTS IN COST OF INSPECTION REGIME…

This report is published by the six independent inspectorates and it explains how well the £200 billion spent on local public services is meeting people’s needs. It sets out what we know about what works to guide national and local policymakers. The report also provides information to help local public services overcome some of the common challenges they face.

Read more on ONEPLACE NATIONAL OVERVIEW AND REPORT…