01 April 2004
Two London councils have joined with the Metropolitan Police to develop a pioneering public sector accountancy training scheme.
The programme, developed by the London boroughs of Hackney and Islington and the Metropolitan Police Service and accredited by CIPFA, offers trainees the chance to gain experience in a range of organisations. In the long term, it is hoped the scheme will be expanded to include other public sector partners.
The first five trainees began their studies this week. Course leaders said they were 'cautiously optimistic' that government funds would be available for further capacity building.
Keith Luck, director of resources at the Met, said graduates no longer regarded the public sector as a poor employer. 'We expect this initiative to continue attracting the highest calibre applicants to become our future leaders,' he said.
CIPFA chief executive Steve Freer said the programme was an example of public services at their very best. 'It's about addressing problems, not walking round them. Three organisations can be much better and much more effective than one.'
PFapr2004
