public sector

Leading from the front

Report looking at options for reforming public services in the UK to make them more effective and responsive. It argues that reform should be based on principles such as a lessening of bureaucracy and over-management, better training for staff and better accountability.

Making it personal

Report advocating self-directed services as a means of transforming public services for the better. It contends that self-directed services can deliver personalised, lasting solutions to people's problems at lower cost and that they give people a real say in shaping the services they want.

Making the most of collaboration : an international survey of public service co-design (Demos report 23)

Discussion paper presenting the results of an international survey of public service co-design, a method whereby service users and providers work together to shape the content, form and delivery of services. It also highlights the advantages offered by co-design and describes its practical and political nature.

Young carers: assessments and services - literature review of identification, needs assessment and service provision for young carers and their families

This literature review examines the ways in which young carers come to the attention of voluntary and statutory agencies, and factors inhibiting identification. It identifies the ways in which young carers’ needs are assessed and it examines approaches to service provision by both statutory and voluntary agencies. The review also identifies approaches that are successful in meeting the social, educational and health needs of young carers.

Towards agile government

Report setting out what the concept of agility in government means and why it is potentially useful for public sector managers. It examines the changing context in which governments are operating and explains the reasons why developing greater agility can help public services respond to new challenges.