The decision to negate the award of the West Coast Mainline franchise to First Group marks a seriously low point in government procurement.

And the passing of the blame onto civil servants by ministers in advance of the enquiries, and seemingly on the basis that ministers have no accountability for decisions taken in their name – or actually and more...

In these difficult financial times, it is imperative that the voluntary and community sector works effectively with councils. They must find common cause and not fall out

Over the last two years, as local authorities have been forced to make hard and often painful expenditure decisions, their relations with the voluntary and community sector (VCS) has often become strained in...

Less than two years into the current spending review’s implementation and with only a fraction of the public expenditure cuts it created actually made, we are witnessing hardship and despair in some communities across the country. More cuts are to come and not all of them have yet been identified by central or local government, the NHS and other...

HR Director – key strategic advisor to the Council Leader

As Council Leader returning to the Town Hall after a summer recess holiday I am seeking key strategic advice and updates from the key members of the Council’s corporate management team.  This is my e-mail to the Strategic HR Director

Dear Director

I very much hope that you have been able to...