Public sector proposals made in Scotland

Posted in News on the September 26th, 2007

A single body could be responsible for the inspection, audit and regulation of all public services in Scotland, it has been suggested.

In a report published by the Independent Review of Regulation, Audit, Inspection and Complaints Handling of Public Services in Scotland, a number of recommendations were made to improve the role of scrutiny within the public sector.

Proposals also suggested that organisations, including those working within the public sector, should work together to reduce duplication and that cost/benefit analysis should become a routine part of any decision concerning the use of external scrutiny.

Consequently, such recommendations could see those looking to make use of talent pools operate with more sustainable efficiencies.

Professor Lorne Crerar, chair of the review, said: "The role of scrutiny is to provide independent assurance that public services are well-managed, safe, fit-for-purpose and spending taxpayer’s money efficiently."

He added that if recommendations were followed resources within the public sector could be ‘freed up’, allowing for greater focus on the provision of services for members of the public.

Earlier this year, a report from New Local Government Network stated that the skills of public sector officials need to be "galvanised" so as to improve their ability to make decisions.

More about talent pools

Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.
  • bodytext
  • del.icio.us
  • Wists
  • Facebook
  • BlogMemes
  • E-mail this story to a friend!
  • Furl
  • Google
  • Live
  • NewsVine
  • Print this article!
  • Reddit
  • Technorati
  • TwitThis
  • Wikio