An ongoing process of reform

Date: 02/03/2000

To encourage staff to play a full part in the reform process, Kinnock is planning to set up an 'ideas bank' to which officials can submit suggestions for improvements in working methods.

But he says a more structured approach will be required to begin with and therefore intends to press ahead with plans to appoint a second deputy secretary-general to take charge of improving working methods and drawing up an action plan for tackling key issues by the end of the year. These include simplifying decision-making and administrative procedures, and ensuring better inter-departmental coordination.

Kinnock also plans to appoint a group of experienced public administration and private sector leaders to provide advice on the reform process.