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Drawing on new survey data, existing research and case studies across three critical areas of public service, this report brings together the highlights of detailed studies into the value of leadership and management in the UK’s health care and education systems, and across local government.
Its publication is timely, following on from Lord Darzi’s review into the NHS that found management capability in the NHS is still behind where it was in 2011 following a decade of constant restructuring and austerity, this report highlights the essential role of skilled management in driving change and delivering better outcomes for patients.
By posing the question about the added value to be found in applying skilled management practice, we were able to arrive at both a clearer diagnosis of the problems faced across all three public services, and to devise a set of recommendations for improvement.
Management skills are not - and cannot be - the sole salvation of the UK’s struggling, and underfunded public services. But they are a relatively low-cost, high-return investment in better navigating challenges that range from organisational disconnect, to slow innovation and technology adoption, to disparate workplace cultures, low morale, recruitment problems, and the management of poor performance.
Systematically investing in managers both current and future, will ensure they have the basic set of skills required to navigate the immediate choppy waters of budgets stretched to breaking point, but also the tools needed to manage the change that is coming via new technologies, changing demographics and evolving demands of the workforce. Throughout this compendium there are examples of public service leaders investing in management capability and doing just that.
Key Research Findings
27% of leaders and managers reported that senior leadership in their healthcare organisations was “ineffective” at ensuring the organisation succeeded. Amongst those in junior management roles this proportion rose to 36%.
(University / Institute name go here)
In 2022, 25% of inspected organisations were rated as “require improvement” or “inadequate”. This may equate to more than four million Consultant Finished Episodes (CFE) having been conducted and completed in poor performing trusts in 2022.
(University / Institute name go here)
Recruiting and retaining good quality staff is a challenge for many in education. Only 50% of leaders and managers feel that their organisation performed well at attracting talent in 2022, and only 57% felt they performed well at retaining it.
(University / Institute name go here)
Only 44% think that their organisation is performing well in ensuring accountability for failure
and just under a quarter (24%) think addressing staff underperformance is poor.
(University / Institute name go here)
Proposed Improvements
Mandate NHS England to establish a compulsory national excellence framework
This framework should be developed in partnership and should focus on setting out the minimum competence requirements at each level and, in order to ensure quality and consistency, providers should be accredited themselves by NHS England.
Mandate minimum in-work training requirements
Accredited management training should be compulsory for newly appointed managers at each stage. The training would not have to be in the form of academic qualifications, however, to ensure quality and consistent standards across the board, a new excellence framework should be developed and implemented.
Revamp leadership NPQs
Revamp leadership NPQs (National professional qualification) and mandate them for all those aspiring to be or already in leadership and management roles in state funded education. Develop leadership NPQs or equivalents for other parts of the (e.g., higher) education sector.
Focus on Management and Leadership
The Office for Local Government (Oflog) should prioritise leadership and management quality. Building an accurate picture of the current state and promoting the adoption of best practices can significantly improve leadership standards in local government.
Related Public Services Research Reports
Management and leadership in local government report
CMI has partnered with the Social Market Foundation to examine the state of leadership & management in local government.
The State of Leadership and Management in Education Report
CMI has partnered with the Social Market Foundation to examine the state of leadership & management in the education sector.
A Picture of Health?
CMI has partnered with the Social Market Foundation to examine the state of leadership & management in the healthcare sector.