The government has finally got around to publishing permanent secretaries' 2013-14 performance objectives. Unfortunately, instead of improving Whitehall accountability, they just add to the...
Some councils appear to be taking advantage of what they see as a loophole in the legislation regarding the Housing Revenue Account. But such attempts are not only morally wrong, they are legally...
The PASC has called for a new parliamentary commission on the future of the civil service. But a fresh inquiry will only be justified if it focuses on the nuts and bolts of how to make Whitehall...
Charity chief executives have been criticised for ‘fat-cat’ salaries in an age of austerity. But it’s down to trustees – not the Charity Commission – to determine...
Ministers have called on business leaders to serve as departmental non-executive directors and help make Whitehall more efficient. But more could be done to ensure that the right people are recruited...
‘Command and control’ is the default position for politicians and public service managers. But, as the tragic failures in Mid-Staffordshire show, it is a deeply flawed delivery model
Over-reliance on targets has been suggested as a factor in the Stafford Hospital scandal. But managers and front-line staff should never use the 'system' as an excuse for behaving in an...
