06 October 2006
Many public sector managers believe they are being prevented from doing their jobs effectively because of red tape, a lack of resources and poor support from employers, according to the Chartered Management Institute.
Its study found widespread disillusionment among senior staff in the public services, who say they are not given the freedom to use their skills fully.
The complaint was most widespread among managers in education, where six out of ten say their skills are not properly utilised. In the health service, half of the managers say that is the case; the figure is 45% in local government.
Jo Causon, the CMI's director of corporate affairs, said: 'The ability to achieve their potential is clearly at the forefront of individuals' minds… so if individuals and organisations are to prosper, this situation must be addressed.'
The CMI's research, published on October 4, identifies a range of factors preventing managers from doing their jobs effectively.
Lack of resources is seen as key. In the health service, which has been hit by high-profile financial problems recently, 32% say it has affected their performance. A quarter of managers in local government and 15% in education concur.
The level of red tape managers must face also figures prominently: 31% of health service managers identify it as a barrier, as do 21% of local government managers.
However, the study found that in spite of these obstacles, staff across the three sectors remain determined to do a good job.
PFoct2006
