Laura Sharman 02 August 2016

Failure to share putting service reform at risk, warns paper

Local authorities have been urged not to ‘reinvent the wheel’ when it comes to reforming public services, in a new paper exploring how to integrate services and improve outcomes.

The briefing, from the Institute for Government, found that while it is crucial public services meet local needs, too many local authorities are failing to learn from what has been tried before.

This failure to share what is working – and what isn’t – is putting service reforms at risk and costing councils time and money, the paper argues.

The report, entitled Public Service Reform: Supporting learning to integrate services and improve outcomes, calls for public service leaders to have more ‘frank’ discussions about the reality of joining up local services through peer and sector-led networks.

Dr Jo Casebourne, programme director of the Institute for Government, said; ‘Better collaboration between local organisations is crucial to improving public services. But those on the ground still don’t have the support they need. Particularly with money and resources so stretched, the Government must invest properly and only fund programmes that we know actually work.’

The report calls for local authorities to encourage staff to share concerns with their peers, take part in cross-sector secondments and events that encourage cross-fertilisation between local organisations.

Making payment processes smarter  image

Making payment processes smarter

It can be challenging to find the right software to streamline payment processes. Lewis McKenna-Crisp argues SmarterPay has the ideal solution for councils.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Graduate Trainee Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

North Yorkshire Council
£25,183 - £30,559
Could you help us deliver Electric Vehicle infrastructure to support this new transformation mode of transport. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Contracts and Strategy Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£41,442 - £44,331
Royal Greenwich is on the up! Having achieved a 3.8% increase in our recycling rate this year Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Senior Developer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
£52,584 - £69,068
Royal Greenwich is a vibrant borough, with a rich history and diverse community. Greenwich, London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

SEND Operations Assistant - 2 year FTC

Essex County Council
£25081 - £26679 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
SEND Operations AssistantFixed Term, Full Time£25,081 to £26,679 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Welfare Benefits & Money Advice Caseworker

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band E SCP 18-25 (£30,559 - £35,235 per annum
We have an exciting opportunity for a skilled individual to join our Welfare Rights Team Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner