Private and third sector

The collaboration conundrum

9 February 2012 | Don Peebles

Scotland wants its public bodies to save money by working more closely together and in partnership with the private sector. But can savings really be made this way? US research suggests they can Read more

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Market makeover for universities

3 February 2012 | Matt Grist

The government’s proposed managed market in higher education will produce a number of unintended consequences. Instead, we should move as quickly as possible to an open market for students Read more

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Common sense on commissioning

30 January 2012 | John Tizard

Commissioning and procurement are often confused. But they are two distinct areas of public sector activity   Read more

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Regional pay: the top ten myths

17 January 2012 | Alastair Hatchett

George Osborne’s promise of greater regional pay differentiation for public sector employees is based on some common  myths  about the way national and local  pay levels are determined Read more

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Executive pay: a taxpayers’ issue too

9 January 2012 | John Tizard

If Cameron really means business on the issue of senior business executives’ remuneration, he should start by getting the public sector to flex its procurement muscles Read more...

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Not all in this together

15 December 2011 | John Tizard

Council cutbacks are affecting voluntary and community groups disproportionately. This is unfortunate and self-defeating for a government seeking to develop localism and create a Big Society Read more

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Pensions: assessing the cost of auto-enrolment delay

12 December 2011 | James Lloyd

While the postponement of plans obliging all employers to enrol their employees in workplace pension schemes may help small businesses, it will deter people from saving and shore up future costs Read more

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Social investment: let the buyer beware

5 December 2011 | Dan Corry

Social investment could help charities and voluntary organisations through the tough times ahead. But only if they know what they’re taking on
 Read more...

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Tussles over Tupe

1 December 2011 | John Tizard

George Osborne’s review of the Transfer of Undertakings regulations must not lead to a race to the bottom in terms of employee terms and conditions Read more

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Tough talk on pay

30 November 2011 | Alastair Hatchett

The chancellor’s  announcement of a tough 1% pay freeze for the public sector has come as a shock. Less so, the news that regional pay is back on the agenda Read more...

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