Introduction by
 the Minister of State,
      Cabinet Office

The term 'Modernising Government' has a bit of a dry ring to it. But when you see what it means in human terms, it comes to life. I am passionately committed to the public sector and believe that it is right to encourage new ways of working. This will enable us to give a better service to the citizen and to get more job satisfaction.

Last year we published a White Paper setting out the Government's programme of public sector reform. It covers the main aspects of public sector work - how we make policy, the delivery of services, making good use of new technologies and managing staff to feel valued and to give of their best. Our vision for modernisation applies to all parts of the public sector - the NHS, schools, prisons, the Forces, local authorities, agencies and central government departments. In July's Spending Review, public services were given the investment they need to deliver these reforms as well as tough new targets to meet in the highest priority areas, published openly in the new Public Service Agreements

Some of the features of our approach that I would pick out are:

• a clear framework developed around the Government's policy goals;
• a focus on the user of government services;
• targets to drive forward change and delivery;
• the right delivery mechanisms. We work nationally and locally to bring together those who can most efficiently deliver the best results;
• becoming an e-government - not for its own sake but to improve and transform services;
• building on innovation;
• tracking progress across the board. Of course problems will occur. When they do, we need to intervene quickly and firmly. People depend on public services. We can't let them down;
• communications. We need to tell people what we are trying to do and report on progress. We need to listen to what service users are saying, to their priorities, their fears and their ambitions. And we have to ensure that their views make a difference, feeding into the whole process from beginning to end;
• modernisation with a purpose, to deliver the results that matter and that will make a difference.

Good government need not be big government. Rather, it is about working together in ways that haven't happened before. Central government working in partnership with town halls, unions and the private and voluntary sectors to deliver the best possible services. It is not about dogma, it's about what works. This applies to joined-up government too.

As the White Paper said, the government will continue to work closely with the unions to acheive our shared goals of committed, fair and efficient public services. We recognise the contribution the unions make, working in partnership. For example, the Cabinet Office and the Council of Civil Service Unions have signed a national partnership agreement on matters that require corporate leadership. An early example is work on developing marketable qualifications and lifelong learning opportunities within the Civil Service.

We promised to report annually - not to blow our own trumpet, but to show the progress being made and to let public sector workers know that Ministers notice what they are doing. To highlight some of the good things that are happening in order to motivate us all.

Don't be disappointed if your work is not featured - we can't cover everything. But let us know about what you are doing as public servants, the things you are proud of and the problems you are tackling, whether you are winning or getting frustrated - we can all learn from each other.

So what has been happening? Let's take a quick look at just a few examples.

Modern policy means that homelessness is being tackled in a new way; modern service delivery finds an estate agent-style shop to help you pick out the right council house; latest technology helps parents select a school for their children from the comfort of their own home; modern management has given local government staff new ways of working. Read on - and visit our website (http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/moderngov/) - if you would like to find out more.

The website is where you will also find a formal account of progress against the Modernising Government action plan.

Most, though not all, of the stories in the report relate to England or to services provided by the UK Government. The UK Government and the devolved administrations are committed to working together on Modernising Government. The administrations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are, of course, taking forward improvements in their services in ways that best suit their responsibilities.

What is driving the current urge to modernise?

• The need for every organisation to improve continuously.
• Greater demand from citizens to be treated as customers and to get the results they need.
• A recognition that we need to embrace ever greater diversity in our society.
• New opportunities to transform services because of the spread of new technologies.
• Increased globalisation - enabling us to compare our performance with others, showing that bureaucracies can change.
• A realisation by politicians that showing the public sector that it is valued - and giving it the resources it needs to do the job effectively - will lead to better public services for all.

We have made a good start. And I thank public servants for working together to deliver so much. But we have always recognised that modernising government is a long-term programme over many years. There is still a lot more to do and we will report again on progress next year.

Ian McCartney

Let us know what you think about the Modernising Government agenda.

Do you have any examples which people should hear about?

E-mail us at moderngov@gtnet.gov.uk