Innovation central to government’s reform agenda says Minister

The Government is set to press ahead with new ways of delivering public services, linking innovation and expertise with the core principles of equality, opportunity and choice.

Speaking at the ‘Reform, Improve, Deliver Conference’, in Belfast, NIO Minister, Ian Pearson unveiled what he described as a "distinctive yet effective approach to reform and modernisation" for Northern Ireland.

"We need public services that are, and are seen to be, excellent or improving or both. People want services that meet their expectations and are responsive to their needs," the Minister said.

"The approach I am outlining today will complement our work to address the historic under-investment of the past in Northern Ireland’s infrastructure with a framework for reform and modernisation, that will extend across the full range of public services here."

Today’s conference included speakers such as Sir Jon Shortridge KCB, Permanent Secretary of the National Assembly of Wales; John Elvidge, Permanent Secretary to the Scottish Executive; Dermot McCarthy, Secretary General, Department of the Taoiseach; John Dowdall, Comptroller & Auditor General; Eleanor Gill, Chief Executive General Consumer Council; and Chris Thompson, former Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency

The conference was being complemented by an exhibition designed to showcase good practice in public service management and delivery from Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland.

(MB)