Menu
10/05/2004
More expected from public sector claims report
The public expect higher quality service delivery from the public sector in line with changes that have taken place in recent years in the private sector.
This is according to a research report published today by the Review of Public Administration (RPA).
The report, entitled 'Views on Public Services – Focus Group Project 3 (Views of Public Sector Staff)', reveals that public sector staff acknowledge and understand the public’s sense of entitlement to good quality services and were sympathetic to the difficulties faced by the public, in trying to deal with their problems accessing and understanding public services.
The research, the first of its kind to be carried out in Northern Ireland, drew its information from a total of 31 focus groups, reflective of the composition of the public sector across Northern Ireland. Central Government departments, local government, Non-Departmental Public Bodies and the community and voluntary sectors were all represented.
Among the main findings of the research were:
The research is built on previous studies published by the RPA and carried out by RES into the views and experiences of the general public on a number of issues relevant to the Review.
(MB)
This is according to a research report published today by the Review of Public Administration (RPA).
The report, entitled 'Views on Public Services – Focus Group Project 3 (Views of Public Sector Staff)', reveals that public sector staff acknowledge and understand the public’s sense of entitlement to good quality services and were sympathetic to the difficulties faced by the public, in trying to deal with their problems accessing and understanding public services.
The research, the first of its kind to be carried out in Northern Ireland, drew its information from a total of 31 focus groups, reflective of the composition of the public sector across Northern Ireland. Central Government departments, local government, Non-Departmental Public Bodies and the community and voluntary sectors were all represented.
Among the main findings of the research were:
- Public demands and expectations about service delivery have increased and become more strident in recent years.
- Staff felt that the degree and pace of change in all aspects of public life in Northern Ireland was unprecedented and not at all easy to deal with.
- Public sector staff felt that they worked hard and understood the standards and values of public service.
- Staff understood that technological developments in the private sector had an impact on public sector delivery expectations.
- Staff felt that while central government should retain responsibility for policy development, day-to-day responsibility should, as far as possible, be devolved to local bodies.
- Staff felt that although the principles of initiatives such as Investors in People were sound, implementation of these initiatives was often burdensome and costly.
The research is built on previous studies published by the RPA and carried out by RES into the views and experiences of the general public on a number of issues relevant to the Review.
(MB)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 November 2023
UK Govt Urged To 'Do More' To Support Public Sector Workers
Sinn Féin has called on the UK government to "do more" to fully support public sector workers and services. The party's economy spokesperson, MLA Conor Murphy, said: "Once again, the Tories have continued with their cruel agenda of austerity with more real term cuts to funding for public services and less money for pay.
UK Govt Urged To 'Do More' To Support Public Sector Workers
Sinn Féin has called on the UK government to "do more" to fully support public sector workers and services. The party's economy spokesperson, MLA Conor Murphy, said: "Once again, the Tories have continued with their cruel agenda of austerity with more real term cuts to funding for public services and less money for pay.
26 November 2012
Minister Disappointed At Decision On Public Service Pension Reform
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has today made clear his disappointment that the Executive has failed to agree to the use of a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) that would allow for the reform of public service pensions in Northern Ireland.
Minister Disappointed At Decision On Public Service Pension Reform
Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has today made clear his disappointment that the Executive has failed to agree to the use of a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) that would allow for the reform of public service pensions in Northern Ireland.
08 February 2024
Finance Minister Committed To Delivering Public Sector Pay Award
New Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has committed to delivering a public sector pay award that will reflect "the vital role they play in delivering public services". The Minister has held her first official meeting with civil service trade unions – NIPSA, FDA, Unite and GMB – to discuss the issues affecting public services.
Finance Minister Committed To Delivering Public Sector Pay Award
New Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald, has committed to delivering a public sector pay award that will reflect "the vital role they play in delivering public services". The Minister has held her first official meeting with civil service trade unions – NIPSA, FDA, Unite and GMB – to discuss the issues affecting public services.
16 February 2024
£688m Announced For Public Sector Pay Awards
£688 million has been announced to prioritise public sector pay awards, Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has announced. The allocation was part of the £1.045bn available from the Executive Restoration package for general pressures and pay in 2023-24. Some £22 million of resource funding was also available from the Executive’s own funds.
£688m Announced For Public Sector Pay Awards
£688 million has been announced to prioritise public sector pay awards, Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has announced. The allocation was part of the £1.045bn available from the Executive Restoration package for general pressures and pay in 2023-24. Some £22 million of resource funding was also available from the Executive’s own funds.
16 February 2004
Pilot project aims to improve public sector
A pilot project has been launched today which aims to improve capacity across the public service to deliver effective, efficient and quality services for the general public.
Pilot project aims to improve public sector
A pilot project has been launched today which aims to improve capacity across the public service to deliver effective, efficient and quality services for the general public.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
