Author Archives: Andrew Laird

Sir Gus is right on taking risks – but it will take more than words to change Whitehall culture

Public service culture is becoming an important area of discussion, including on this website. Yesterday, writing in the Daily Telegraph, the outgoing Cabinet Secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell said: “There is of course some cultural inertia to overcome…we must be more … Continue reading

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It’s time for public sector managers to let go of services

This week, Francis Maude launched the Mutuals Support Programme which will help public sector staff to form independent mutuals or social enterprises. This is (long-awaited) good news but the programme has been launched into very rough seas. The Autumn Statement … Continue reading

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A mixed market triumph for public service provision

This week, private company Circle Healthcare won a 10 year contract worth £10bn to run the financially troubled Hichingbrooke hospital in Huntington, Cambridgeshire. Plenty of individual NHS services are already delivered by independent providers but this is the first time … Continue reading

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What the Big Society means for public service reform

David Cameron recently made a speech which focused on building strong communities and strong families as well as developing a culture of giving. These are crucially important aspects of Big Society and are worthy of much discussion – but this … Continue reading

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Big Society: Here to Stay

It has been a rough ride for the Big Society over the last couple of weeks but I think it has emerged from it in an enhanced state.  Here’s why: There can be no more uncertainly regarding the Big Society’s … Continue reading

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