Author Archives: John Tizard

A Shared Society Has To Offer Hope, Opportunity And Social Justice Not Fear, Inequality And Austerity

David Cameron launched his “Big Society” initiative only to let it wither on the vine of government. Through the “Big Society” he wanted an increased role for volunteers, voluntary social action and charities taking over from the state. Over his period in office public sector financial support for the voluntary and community, and wider charity… Read More...

A Christmas wish… or two

As 2016 draws to a close, many in local government will be reflecting on an extraordinary year with so many extraordinary events. For local government itself, in spite of further cuts and increasing service demands, there have also been some encouraging developments including continued devolution. There is little prospect of local government’s financial position improving… Read More...

Leaders Make Greater Impact When They Are Values Led And Behave Accordingly

few weeks ago when writing a review of Ed Mayo’s excellent book – Values – how to bring values to life in your business” on this Huffington Post site I used the following words: Values matter. They can drive behaviours and performance in businesses, co-operatives, social enterprises, charities, community groups, the public sector and indeed… Read More...

Improving Corporate Governance and Company Behaviours – public procurement has a role

The Government’s recently published Green Paper on Corporate Governance is widely regarded as disappointing by many in the public sector and trade unions. Whilst there are some important and positive proposals for improving accountability and transparency, especially in respect of senior executive pay, the overall set of proposals falls short of what many had hoped… Read More...

Charities Matter And Their Chairs Are Important – Never Make The Wrong Appointment Or Hold On To The Wrong Person

Charities play a vital role across society and the economy. They must be well led by their chairs as well as their chief executives. How a charity is chaired matters – so charities must get these appointments right and be clear that this is a ‘strategic’ leadership role. Chairing a charity, or indeed any voluntary… Read More...

Article 50: the voluntary and community sector should not stand aside

The voluntary and community sector (VCS) should seize the opportunity opened up as government prepares to challenge the high court judgement on who has the legal authority to invoke Article 50. Whatever the individual views on leaving the EU, organisations should not stand aside as parliament and government consider their strategies. They should be actively… Read More...

Community Social Action Can Build A Great Movement For The Better

Last week, I completed six years as a trustee and board member of navca – the National Association for Voluntary Community Action. During this time I have had the privilege to meet some fantastic people, and to see and learn about some incredible examples of social action. I have come to understand the power of… Read More...

Nobel Economics Laureate’s academic work could prevent inappropriate public service outsourcing

The awarding of the 2016 Nobel Prize for Economics to Oliver Hart of Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA and Bengt Holmström of Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA was a recognition of their excellent work over decades on the significance of contracting to economic institutions including companies and the public sector. Modern economies are… Read More...

Do councils have a future in education?

Reading the excellent report from the Centre for Public Scrutiny (CfPS) on accountability and the ever-changing education governance architecture Your School, Your Community, I was reminded once again of how democratic local government has seen its role, responsibility and accountability for schools and their education outcomes diminished. It was encouraging to see the Local Government… Read More...

Taking Back Control: Empowering Local Communities

On 23rd June 2016 the British people voted against remaining members of one of the boldest ever international attempts to create a union of collaborative nations based on the pursuit solidarity, economic progress and peace. This union will survive and evolve if and when and on whatever terms the UK leaves it. Ironically the historic… Read More...