Pilot project aims to improve public sector

A pilot project has been launched today which aims to improve capacity across the public service to deliver effective, efficient and quality services for the general public.

‘The Northern Ireland Best Practice Scheme’, and an associated ‘Best Practice’ web site, was launched by the Public Service Reform Unit to enable the successful execution of the government’s reform agenda and raise standards of public service generally.

Speaking at the launch of the Scheme, Nigel Hamilton, Head of the Northern Ireland Civil service, said: “The effective identification, dissemination and adoption of good practice is essential if we are to bring about the type of services the public expect.

"We all have a key role to play in our drive to share good practice across the public sector. The introduction of the Pilot Best Practice Scheme and associated website signals our determination to deliver services that meet the needs and expectations of the public.”

The pilot scheme will cover a one year period and aims to provide public sector organisations with the opportunity to learn about best practice principles for improving services and to apply these best practice examples to improving services for everyone.

Four public sector organisations (Northern Ireland Social Security Agency, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Down and Lisburn Health and Social Services Trust

St Mary’s College, Derry) have agreed to host two open days each throughout the life of the pilot.

(MB)