NEWS ITEMS

June 2001 : new UK government commits to major change :

on 3rd June a labour government was re-elected in the UK with another massive majority - so no change there. But "New Labour's" manifesto for their second term of office included major reforms in the National Health Service (NHS) and in secondary education. They will be judged largely on how successful thee changes have been when Britain 'goes to the polls' again in (probably) 4 or 5 years time.

Here are details of these major changes:
Transformational Change in UK Healthcare

The new Labour government wasted no time in tackling the NHS, delivering vital strategy, structure and human resource plans during July. The key document "Shifting the Balance of Power in the NHS - Securing Delivery" http://www.doh.gov.uk/shiftingthebalance/ detailed major transformational reforms. These included a new patient and employee focused approach that would introduce massive cultural shifts, develop entirely new organisational structures driving new processes, a new customer/consumer focus, alongside major long-term investment in the service. These major changes signal a 'decentralisation of authority as part of a major programme of individual and organisational change' throughout the National Health Service, having been developed at Chief Executive level of the NHS Plan "A Plan for Investment, a Plan for Reform" www.nhs.uk/nhsplan/ launched in June 2000

COMMENT : At 'managing transitions' we have been doing quite a lot of work with various part of the NHS - working with managers and staff, helping prepare them for for change. Firstly we recognise the vital need for change, also the impacts that it is likely to have. For this reason we have set up a separate section for Managing Change in the NHS in which we aim to post up-dates, stimulate debate and discussion about the changes as they begin to be implemented. The major planning is done, now (September 2001) it is time for roll-out, with all the trauma, transition, trials and tribulations that major cultural change can bring.

Major change Planned for Secondary Education

Here is what the Department of Education and Skills said about the White Paper on reform of secondary education in the UK when the Paper was launched on 5th September 2001-09-09

" The Schools - achieving success White Paper is a significant package for the reform of secondary education. It sets out our vision for the education service for the years ahead, building on the excellent foundations laid over the past four years.

All of the themes in the White Paper lead to one end - higher standards for all. We will achieve this through:

• greater diversity and flexibility;
• delivering high minimum standards;
• supporting teachers and schools to deliver change; and
• encouraging innovation with the best schools leading the system.

We have listened to responses to the Schools Green Paper and we are now seeking the views of all stakeholders on the proposals contained in this White Paper. We are consulting widely until 7 November 2001. "

KEY POINT : "To prosper in the 21st century competitive global economy, Britain must transform the knowledge and skills of its population. Every child, whatever their circumstances, requires an education that equips them for work and prepares them to succeed in the wider economy and in society. We must harness to the full the commitment of teachers, parents, employers, the voluntary sector, and government - national and local - for our educational mission."

See the White Paper http://www.dfes.gov.uk/index.htm