Reports of the problems facing the Building Schools for the Future scheme have been exaggerated. But successful partnering strategies are vital to help the programme thrive in a harsh financial...
The new mega-regulator for health and social care has a huge task ahead, licensing a wide range of providers and ensuring standards of care. It will need to avoid mission creep and stay focused,...
The prime minister has had some bad experiences of using the internet recently. But websites such as Twitter and YouTube could be essential for governments in communicating with the public
Despite government rhetoric about reducing poverty and inequalities - and the slew of policies and laws to achieve this - the poorest people in the UK are being penalised and the rich are getting...
Community problems usually require local answers. But good practice is rarely passed on. However, the Can Do programme aims to share valuable knowledge through a network of people on the ground
Comprehensive Area Assessments should help improve the nation’s health by focusing on local partnerships. But, argues Andy McKeon, the notoriously parochial NHS will have to look beyond its narrow...
We've seen the future… and it’s looking grim. The Treasury’s Operational Efficiency Programme reads like a Soviet five-year plan - and is probably about as achievable. Tony Travers wades through...
We've seen the future… and it’s looking grim. The Treasury’s Operational Efficiency Programme reads like a Soviet five-year plan - and is probably about as achievable. Tony Travers wades through...
School league tables are out of fashion, to be replaced by scorecards that will judge schools on more balanced and holistic criteria. But the design will need to be carefully thought through first
Charities must adapt to survive in these turbulent economic times. They need better financial systems and should consider diversifying their income streams and collaborating with other third sector...
It’s more important than ever to improve public sector productivity, but top-down performance management approaches are destined to fail. A better method, argues Max Moullin, is to use a public...
A nationwide outbreak of swine flu would severely test the National Health Service. Demand for services will soar just as staff sickness absence increases. The NHS needs to manage its human resources...
David Cameron has promised to conjure up ‘more for less’ if the Tories win the next general election. But, argues Philip Johnston, there is no secret formula, and a Tory prime minister might have to...
Joined-up working is crucial if councils are to improve services. This is particularly true for the local environment, where better use of technology and improved management can produce wide benefits...
Public sector finance directors face competing demands and ever-tighter budgets. They will need to improve leadership skills, address culture change and offer more insight into business performance
Despite assurances to the contrary, the savings required of the NHS under the Treasury’s Operational Efficiency Programme amount to real-terms cuts. Noel Plumridge wonders where the surgical strikes...
Overpopulated prisons and the inappropriate use of custody are two reasons behind calls for a new approach to criminal justice, which would move decision making and funding on to a local level....
With the graduate job market in deep recession, students can ill-afford another rise in top-up fees. But cash-strapped universities say it’s the only way to maintain world-class standards. Can the...
New Labour has made great play of its shiny new schools, hospitals and transport projects. But, reports Paul Gosling, this great building programme is about to come to a grinding halt as capital...
David Cameron’s rhetoric on reforming Westminster sounds great, but a dissection of his policies reveals a lack of substance. Instead of being an enemy of democracy, bureaucracy remains an essential...
When it comes to expenses, members of the Scottish Parliament are basking in a virtuous glow. Maybe that’s because, unlike their Westminster counterparts, they have to disclose theirs online
The Operational Efficiency Programme puts public services under renewed pressure to save money by rationalising back-office functions. It's a big challenge, and accurate data and strong management...
Public sector pensions are the focus of efficiency plans for all the major political parties. But any change to schemes could have knock-on effects that would be detrimental to short-term and long-...
New Labour has made great play of its shiny new schools, hospitals and transport projects. But, reports Paul Gosling, this great building programme is about to come to a grinding halt as capital...
