2 March 2000
The Prime Minister has asked the Government’s Performance and Innovation Unit (PIU) to carry out a new project on effective leadership in delivering public services.
The PIU project will work across the public sector, involving key players, to:
- consider the needs of public sector leadership in the future;
- carry out an audit of the extent to which current activity aimed at developing leaders can be expected to meet those needs;
- make recommendations on the action needed across the public sector to get good leaders into place and enable them to operate effectively; and,
- identify practical ways of increasing the diversity of public sector leadership.
Making the announcement, the Prime Minister said:
"A good head teacher makes all the difference in a school. Well-run hospitals require chief executives who give a strong lead and command the confidence of doctors, nurses and other staff. The people heading up our public services have a huge responsibility.
"It is a tough task modernising and improving the services on which we all depend. It calls for the very best leadership. That is why I have asked the Performance and Innovation Unit to look at how we develop, appoint, reward and support good leaders across the spectrum of the public sector."
The Prime Minister has asked Estelle Morris, Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment, to be the sponsor minister for the project. Commenting on her new role, Estelle Morris said:
"I am delighted to have been asked to be sponsor minister on this ambitious and important project. The quality of leadership in our schools, hospitals, local government and other public services is of fundamental importance. I look forward to working with the Project Team to produce a practical programme to ensure that we realise our vision for the future of public sector leadership."
Notes for editors:
- The creation of the Performance and Innovation Unit was announced by the Prime Minister on 28 July 1998 as part of the changes following a review of the effectiveness of the centre of Government by Cabinet Secretary, Sir Richard Wilson. The PIU’s aim is to improve the capacity of Government to address strategic, cross-cutting issues and to promote innovation in the development and delivery of policy and in the delivery of the Government’s objectives.
- The Unit reports direct to the Prime Minister through Sir Richard Wilson.
- Further information about the PIU can be found on its website www.strategy.gov.uk/.
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