OPM

This is the fifth report written as part of Public Service Futures is an ambitious programme sponsored by OPM as part of our commitment to improving social results. In it, we ask five experts - Mark Oaten, Julia Margo, Leon Murray, Pat Thane and Harris Beider - what future they see for identity and belonging in Britain over the next two decades.

Public Service Futures is sponsored by OPM (Office for Public Management – an independent public interest company) to bring together visionary thinkers with decision-makers across public sectors to decide how best to prepare for the future. With the 2010 general election looming, the five articles in this Spring briefing look at the future of government and the challenges that our leaders could be facing in the next decade – regardless of their political hue. This is not about the machinery of government and parliamentary processes, but considers government in its broadest sense. Five contributors – Abdullah Saif, Carolyn Downs, Helen Bailey, John Atkinson and Matthew Taylor – discuss a range of questions, including: Will government be small or big? Will the relationship between government and the people evolve? Will we see a genuine shift in power between the centre and localities? And what has to change for the state to really start enabling citizens rather than simply providing services?

In 2009 OPM celebrated its 20th anniversary. Some things have not changed over that period. We are still entirely focused on helping to achieve social results and on working with people who share a determination to improve the well-being of the communities and clients they serve. This annual review summarises the work we have done over the past year. It highlights some of our projects, particularly our work and research on efficiency, partnerships and commissioning, our public interest activities, and our engagement work with communities and young people.

Public Service Futures is an ambitious programme which OPM sponsors as part of our commitment to improving social results. Through events and publications, Public Service Futures brings together visionary thinkers and public service decision makers to help them decide how best to prepare for the future.

In a fast-paced world, organisations stand more chance of success if they’re able to identify and prepare for future challenges and opportunities. The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) commissioned OPM to conduct a wide-ranging review of the approaches organisations – in the statutory, private and third sectors – have taken to strategic futures work.

In this interview, our Head of Analytical Studies, Phil Copestake, tells you a little about himself and gives you an insight into his work on evidence-based policy and practice, and on futures and horizon scanning

Now, more than ever, it is critical for the different tiers of local government to collaborate with each other. Financial pressures, requirements to deliver seamless customer service and a new focus on outcomes mean that local authorities need to find ways to work together productively.