Monday 15th December 2008, 15:42International Public Services – DeAnne JuliusEarlier this year I went to Washington as part of a working group from the UK promoting the DeAnne Julius report. There were some good headlines outlining best practice and learning that we had developed in the UK as we have evolved the use of third and private sector suppliers in the design and delivery of public services.
My personal view is that where PFI and capital/infrastructure projects have dominated the landscape over the last 10-15 years, the next 10-15 years will see the continued, rapid evolution of front line public service markets. There will still be significant infrastructure projects – you only need to look at the news and consider the stimulus packages being developed by many governments in relation to the economic downturn. But, as part of this, we’re seeing a much stronger focus and link to social policy – job creation and skills development in relation to rising unemployment as a simple example.
Linked to this though, we need to see better join up of broader social policies. In the UK, we have created a strong mixed market around broader criminal justice services to prevent re-offending, legal aid services, debt and poverty advice, health prevention and community health, enterprise in the most disadvantaged areas, housing – to name a few. In many cases these markets, services and supply models are still maturing and in some cases, in their infancy, but have the same international growth potential as we are beginning to see in welfare, skills and other public service areas.
We have already begun work with some governments outside the UK to understand their experience, share learning and discuss our experiences of front line public service reform. The DeAnne Julius recommendations present a strong framework for discussion. We are developing links for longer term dialogue in the US, South Korea, Africa, Egypt, China and other parts Asia, but are always keen to make new connections.
In the New Year our newly formed Institute will begin to look at how we can advise and support such developments in a new way for A4e, which will be an exciting opportunity to push new development.
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