Management/Policy/Technology/Finance
February 2005

Management

· Efficiency savings

Michael Barber, of the Prime Minister's Delivery Unit, argued that if "everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough" in relation to the government's efficiency drive. But isn't the Gershon exercise about exerting control?

· Accountability

A more coherent approach to public scrutiny, supported by independent inspectorates and the National Audit Office, is needed. The benefits would include a more cost-effective use of resources and the creation of an accessible evidence base, writes Jane Martin, executive director of the Centre for Public Scrutiny. To go to the CfPS website, click here

· Organisational models

Process mapping is the latest brainwave from management gurus. It looks good on paper, but is, according to Sue Wills of the Gryphon Consultancy, a muddled and ill-conceived concept.

Policy

· Labour's second term

It's an exciting time to be a public manager. In David Walker and Polly Toynbee's new book, Better or Worse - did Labour deliver?, the stated targets are examined, and the results are generally good. So why does the public think the country's going to the dogs? To find out more about the book on the publisher's website, click here

· Service standards

As councils creep up the grades in comprehensive performance assessments, won't they eventually near perfection? Not if the assessment methodology changes, as it is doing right now. Patient and public "involvement" now has to be taken into account.

· Early years

The new Whitehall promise in childcare is a children's centre in every neighbourhood. But how is this new welfare function going to be paid for? It's likely that childcare will expose councils, as performances will inevitably be chequered.

Technology

· E-government

The United Nations recently ranked the UK third in e-government readiness, behind the US and Denmark. But it's still uncertain whether "e-government is better government", or whether public perceptions of services have altered thanks to their experiences online.

· Records management

Freedom of information could be costly. Some companies are rushing into buying an electronic data and records management system (EDRMS) with little thought. As a result, these systems will simply fail to help organisations meet e-government objectives. Careful planning needs to take place before the implementation of any records management system.

· Lifelong learning

Mike Boxall, an education specialist and senior consultant in PA's Citizen Welfare and Revenue practice, advocates a learner-centred system to counter the government's disjointed strategies for lifelong learning. This needs to come from a centrally concerted and strongly driven national programme.

Finance

· Asset sales

According to Sir Michael Lyons's review of state assets, the public sector will need to raise its game if the government is to meet its target to sell ?30bn of real estate. Lyons also criticised the inconsistent approach to identifying, valuing and challenging the use of assets across the public sector.

· Hospital trusts

Health economists are worried about the strains on hospital trust finances from the introduction of payment by results and national tariffs. Deficits might be down, but costs are rising.

· Company news

As Jarvis teeters on the edge of collapse, lawyers are starting to circle over neglected contracts such as schools in the Wirral and fire stations in Tyne and Wear. Not only has Jarvis's disinvestment in PFI schemes raised tricky legal questions, it has also damaged the sector's reputation. To go to Jarvis's website, click here

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