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Theme : public_services
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What next for local government management?
There is a cautious but tangible return of discretion to the town hall and a premium on the ability of local government to improve services from within, finding new ways to meet distinctive local needs and to connect more effectively with citizens. Innovation is the key.
from : simonparker
18th January 2008
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Conditional Sense
Making state provision conditional upon the individual taking responsibility is both right and practicable
from : williamhigham
4th December 2007
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Public Services: Should terms and conditions apply?
The seminar marks the publication of a new provocation paper where new Demos Chair of Trustees Ed Straw will make the case for conditionality in the public sector. The discussion is an opportunity to examine these issues and ask where this vital but fraught debate might go next.
from : peterharrington
28th November 2007
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Making public services personal
Demos is launching a new report which explores the next big idea in public services – participative public services.
from : jenlexmond
20th November 2007
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Making collaboration work
It's quite obvious that the Brownites won't be led by competition and markets, but less obvious what should replace choice as the new reform mantra. I had a crack at articulating the Demos vision at the PM's Strategy Unit yesterday, picking up a lot of the arguments we made in the Collaborative State, but also drawing on our work in New Zealand and Australia.
from : simonparker
16th November 2007
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Skills, innovation and Ben Bradshaw
So we're all back from Bournemouth and if I'm honest, most of the office looks a little bleary eyed, myself included. I've spent the last few days reading the political commentary about the conference, but being a wonk I was really interested in what it all means for policy. So here's what I learned in my three days beside the seaside...
from : simonparker
27th September 2007
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Fighting for the soul of localism
Whatever happened to the new localism? A few years ago it was the hot topic of party conference season. Today, not even the New Local Government Network, which arguably invented the idea, has fringe meetings about it.Part of the answer is that localism is the new orthodoxy. The government is reducing targets, focussing on making councils into strategic place shapers and trying to build a new relationship at the local level. That might not sound too radical, but it's a lot better than the...
from : simonparker
30th August 2007
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'Elect the inspectors' by John Denham | Prospect Magazine August 2007 issue 137
John Denham argues:
'We need to marry the inspectocracy with democracy...Let's give people we choose the power to decide what the targets and standards should be. And the power to intervene and require a response, to dirty hospitals or coasting schools. Where there are choices to be made between different priorities, and where there is a debate about the standards to be set, let's elect the people we want to make them'
from : duncanoleary
14th August 2007
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Side effects of pay injection for GPs
The positives of a strong relationship with a family doctor are immediately negated if you can't see them. And more important than the time lost at work through attending doctors appointments are the consultations missed or delayed due to work commitments. If GP services aren't adaptable, early intervention and prevention will be hampered. A GP's legitimate need for a work-life balance must fit with the need for flexible and responsive primary care.
from : rupertfaircliff
7th August 2007
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Those in the know are on the ropes
Last week a phrase dropped from the lips of a Brownite minister that we have not heard for a long while: "public service ethic".
from : rupertfaircliff
18th July 2007
