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06 June 2006
CAB 029/06
A major gathering of delegates representing the public, political, academic and private sector takes place in London today to discuss the future of public service reform.
21st Century Public services – putting people first is organised by the National School for Government and will be addressed by the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Cabinet Secretary, Sir Gus O'Donnell. The conference will aim to set out a clear and compelling argument for reform and ensure a common understanding of the concept of better public services.
As the government moves into a phase of critical reform, the conference seeks to ensure that evidence for change is understood, articulated and shared. It will also hear from people with experience of public service provision abroad and place the UK in an international context.
The broader aims for reform and the challenges ahead will also be discussed and delegates will examine how a model for reform can help further government objectives such as social justice.
The Chancellor is starting the morning with a breakfast meeting for delegates. Environment Secretary, David Miliband, Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton, and Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt are also leading sessions throughout the day with keynote speeches.
The concept for this conference has been months in the planning and will ensure the UK is a world leader in public service delivery with a common understanding of the ethos for excellence and customer service.
It also marks the first major event for the National School in its new more autonomous guise as a centre of excellence that develops new thinking and best practice internationally.
The views of those working in public services are crucial to the success of this. Over 200 delegates made up front line public sector workers, managers, business leaders, academics, local government and voluntary sector will discuss their understanding of reform and will report back on their discussions directly to the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister's Strategy Unit will publish a pamphlet setting out the government's approach and model for public service reform in more detail.
The Cabinet Secretary will also set out his commitment and the challenge in making the Civil Service work better to deliver services. He will publish the new Civil Service Code and say how values can work alongside accountability and excellence.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Hilary Armstrong said:
‘This conference will demonstrate how far advanced the UK is on the international stage in its delivery of better public services. It will showcase how the Government's model for reform can provide better public services for everyone whilst promoting equity for all, and helping deliver social justice.’
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