Jobsgopublic News

Those working for a public sector body in Worcestershire have been reported as providing a significantly higher level of service, it has been revealed.

In a report by the Audit Commission, Malvern Hills district council was deemed to be "excellent", an improvement from the "fair" assessment it received in a previous inspection.

The local authority was particularly praised for maintaining the quality of the local environment and increasing community safety.

And in news that might interest those searching for work in the public sector via a regional recruitment portal, the council was also commended for its work in improving life chances for local children and young people.

Mary-Ann Bruce, senior manager for the Audit Commission, said: "The council is ambitious and has tackled some difficult decisions, such as agreeing what is and is not important."

She added the local authority is "delivering good services across the district".

In other news, the Audit Commission gave West Midlands-based Sandwell Homes a three-star rating in November for the level of service it provides.

More regional recruitment portal information.

A council based in Northamptonshire has been praised by the Audit Commission for its operations with network partners.

Employees at Corby borough council have been given a rating of "good" in its comprehensive performance assessment, an improvement from its previous "weak score".

Nigel Toms, senior manager at the Audit Commission, claimed that the public sector body is operating particularly effectively "with its partners to improve the lives of local people".

"There is strong leadership within the council and a clear desire to improve services and meet the needs of the public," he added.

Furthermore, the authority’’s focus on neighbourhoods was reported to be resulting in improved services for residents, with partnerships indicated as helping to address long-term issues - such as community safety and health inequality - in the town.

In a November 2007 report, the Office for Standards in Education reported that Northamptonshire county council has an "innovative" approach in delivering services for young people and children in the region.

More about network partners.

A government training scheme is set to target those operating in the third sector, it has been revealed.

It has been reported that from January next year, charities and voluntary groups will have wider access to the Train to Gain initiative, in a move intended to help meet the high demand for training within the sector.

Furthermore, the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills has reported that the overall budget for the training programme will increase to £1 billion by 2010-11.

The announcement could be of interest to those working in the third sector who are looking to improve their skills framework.

Skills minister Lord Young claimed that the move will "mean that those in most need of support can develop the skills they need to get on, ensuring that the sector is well placed to weather tough times and to continue its valuable work for the community".

Earlier this month, the Small Charities Coalition unveiled a new website aimed at offering those working for smaller organisations to access the skills they need in order to meet their goals.

More skills framework information.

On the 22 October talent management provider JGP were pleased to welcome Adrian Slater as Director of Talent.

“We are thrilled to welcome Adrian to JGP, his knowledge and experience of the public sector is in our opinion un-rivalled and a welcome addition to our team. His focus will be on pulling together various strands of sales activity within the business, allowing us to achieve our ambitions for growth.” Richard Tyrie, co-founder JGP.

Adrian Slater

Since founding the Public Services Division within Hays Specialist Recruitment in 1990 Adrian has become increasingly involved with organisations requiring innovative, best practise resourcing solutions that are appropriate for all locations and disciplines.

During his time at Hays, Adrian played a major part in designing managed service solutions and recruitment process outsourcing contracts. These led to substantial improvements in time to hire, diversity and quality of choice – solutions that saved the public purse millions of pounds in the wake of the Gershon’s government led directives.

Adrian has managed a nationwide team of more than 500 discipline specific consultants across the UK in the public and not for profit sectors and has been instrumental in providing a ‘one stop, best in class’ solutions.

As MD and founder of Hays Executive Search and Selection Adrian has put diversity at the top of the agenda and has led bid teams that have been awarded recruitment management contracts with seven local authorities as well as for the DWP and Audit Commission.

Adrian also has extensive experience across the private sector and has gained valuable insight into the resourcing, cultural and broader HR issues for major companies in Eastern & Western Europe prior to opening specialist recruitment operations in the Czech Republic, Germany and the Netherlands.

“I am really looking forward to understanding the challenges clients face in attracting and retaining talent. I am thrilled to have joined the JGP team – for me probably the most innovative, exciting and enthusiastic organisation in the talent market place today.” Adrian Slater

“Adrian’s ability to identify market opportunities and enhance operational efficiencies will allow JGP to focus on building our customer-focused strategies.” Richard Tyrie, co-founder JGP.

The TUC has put forward demands to the Low Pay Commission to increase the national minimum wage, it has been revealed.

Calls by the trade union have seen it request a 37 pence rise in the current hourly rate of pay to take place from next October to stand at £6.10.

The news is likely to be of interest to workers - including those operating in the public sector - who may be on the search for a new job via a regional recruitment portal.

Brendan Barber, general secretary for the TUC, said: "The minimum wage has never had any detrimental effect on the UK economy.

"In the current downturn there is a danger that the Low Pay Commission might be too cautious in setting the new rate."

Furthermore, it was reported that people should be able to benefit from the national minimum wage from 21, instead of the current age of 22.

Those on the search for work in the public sector may also be interested to read a recent report by the Audit Commission which praised Warwickshire county council for taking steps to improve its social care services.

More regional recruitment portal information.