17 May 2002
In a report endorsed by Labour Party chair Charles Clarke, the New Local Government Network argues that the public, private and voluntary sectors should agree a common set of cultural values for service delivery.
The report, written by Professor Gerry Stoker and Rod Aldridge, executive chairman of Capita, dismisses claims that public sector staff have a 'purer motivation' for doing their jobs.
They state that if services are to meet the needs of the community, workers should be motivated not by 'self sacrifice' but by a culture that rewards performance. They add that the pursuit of profit does not inhibit the public service ethos of workers.
The report, published on May 15, outlines five steps to achieving a new public service ethos. These include evaluating any potential service bidders for their commitment to the ethos while ensuring audit and inspection test for this in all services. It also recommends that the government establish a task group to reform accountability. This would include providing the public with 'meaningful involvement' and clear information on service performance and costs across all sectors.
'The concept of a public service ethos can provide a way forward,' said Clarke. 'It is a way of scrutinising the participation of all agents in public services. Without an ethos based on social justice, there is little hope of a reality which delivers it.'
PFmay2002
