Teachers and parents are being supported by the Internet in their efforts to improve reading skills. Tough literacy targets are an essential feature of the drive to improve standards. Estelle Morris, Education Schools Standards Minister, said: “Literacy isn’t just about books, new technologies mean that there are more and more worlds to explore”.
An attempt by Neil Morrison, HM Chief Inspector of Fire Services, to encourage the employment of women in Scotland’s eight brigades has backfired. His report was intended to find ways to increase the number of female firefighters in Scotland. There are only 128 women in a total workforce of more than 8,000.
A police inspection report and an inter departmental working group have recommended a joined up response to child abuse. In 1997 there were some 13,000 offences against children under 14.
A report by her Majesty’ s Inspector of Constabulary emphasises the importance of intelligence in the fight against abuse and recommended that not only should police forces share information, but that this should be extended to social services and the probation service. It also recommended that polices forces should work in partnership with other public bodies such as education, health and social services with and voluntary organisations. It stressed the importance of everyone ‘talking the same language’.
An overwhelming number of South Gloucestershire residents taking part in an independent Opinion Poll have given a positive response to questions about Council services. Satisfaction with services was found to be highest amongst the 65 plus age group, Council tenants and those without children.
Margaret Jay and Tessa Jowell are preparing to tour the country to find out what women think about the issues that affect their daily lives. They want to get women’s views on employment, childcare, pensions, health, crime and education. The Listening to Women roadshows are part of a consultation exercise steered by the Women’s Unit in the Cabinet Office.
The People’s Panel strongly supports directly elected mayors and referenda on local issues. The Panel of 5000 people from across the UK is the first national cross sector research resource which gives feedback on the effectiveness of public services. This is the second wave of findings.
On-line booking of hospital appointments direct from the doctor’s surgery will start soon in 24 pilots schemes. There will be progressive extension to all computerised surgeries. This is one of a number of developments planned as part of the introduction of Primary Care Groups which will come into operation in April 1999.
Home Secretary Jack Straw today challenged police forces across England and Wales to step up their efficiency drives and improve effectiveness. He announced a 2.7% rise in expenditure for the coming year, but pointed out that as the recent Audit Commission report shows, increased resources do not automatically improve police performance.
Government is years behind the private sector in using the technology it
needs to deliver joined up services claims a new reseach report by Kable.
Researchers found that despite the talk about “joined up government” there
is barely any public-sector investment in some of the key technologies that
could get the job done.
The public sector pay settlement announced yesterday is designed to move
forward the modernisation programme. It also signals the end of across the
board pay increases and the widening of differentials between the main pack
and the high achievers.
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