Time to move away from traditional outsourcing of public services
After a series of outsourcing scandals, the government should be putting its focus on the public and social sectors
The resignation of Chris Hyman, CEO of Serco, is one of many recent stories affecting public service
The European Union is developing new public procurement regulations. Many in the public sector and many service providers from the business, social enterprise and voluntary and community sectors have long argued that a major overhaul was necessary. Further there is a need to consider how the UK legislators have incorporated the current regulations into domestic regulations and how they are... The next few years will be very bleak in terms of spending cuts, but the public sector has to find ways to mitigate their impact. Local scrutiny of budget decisions is more critical than ever Public bodies including local authorities are being forced to cut their expenditure and consequently, to stop, reduce or significantly change a range of public services.... I had the privilege to chair an excellent discussion at the ResPublica fringe meeting on public service innovation. The conversation focused primarily but not exclusively on the social sector’s contribution. Speakers including Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, acknowledged that the social sector – charities, community groups, social enterprises and co-operatives – have a long record of innovation. And whilst... You might be tempted to think that one of the great strengths of the voluntary and community sector, and indeed the wider social sector, is that, as they are not the public or business sectors, they are not bound by the latter sectors’ governance systems and standards. If so, then you would be wrong. Of course, many organisations in the... A recent poll by the ‘We Own It’ campaign organisation identified that a staggering 58% of those surveyed believe that Serco and G4S should be barred from bidding for public service contracts if they are found guilty of fraud. Both companies are under investigation following accusations relating to Ministry of Justice contracts. Some politicians and commentators have gone further. Sadiq... The Ministry of Justice’s approach to outsourcing probation contracts will be a test of the government’s commitment to voluntary, social, mutual and co-operative organisations. Many fear the real agenda is to transfer services to large business providers The government is undertaking a major shake-up of the probation and rehabilitation services and has decided to outsource the majority of these services... John Tizard
EU can help shift public procurement towards social outcomes
Time for a Real ‘Civil Society’ – Not Just Contracted Public Services
Spending cuts under scrutiny
We need a ‘major revolution’ rather than ‘small scale evolution’ in public sector commissioning
Good governance matters for beneficiaries and communities
Public confidence in public services outsourcing has been severely dented – if not holed below the waterline
Government on probation
Leadership – the essential ingredient for public services
Public Services Summit
Croke Park, Dublin
18th September 2013
Good morning!
It’s great to be in Dublin for this public services summit.
Leadership matters. Here at Croke Park we turn to sport.
Successful teams have great leadership on the field and on the touch line!
David Moyes or Sir Alex. Leaders matter.
Public services can learn from sport.
I am looking forward to hearing from colleagues and...
Councils and Councils for Voluntary Service Can Find Common Cause