The common statement “the business of governing” is detrimental, as the focus should be upon providing government with the best efficiencies private business experience and expertise has to offer.
The statement should read “implementing business in government”.
This Office would implement within government the best efficiencies of business by identifying process improvements, removing duplication of effort (red tape), improving interdepartmental coordination, review and assess key personnel (always with the goal of ‘best fit’) with positions allocated by merit, and produce budget savings through operational efficiencies all with a focus on customer (public) outcomes and improved service.
In addition the new Office would;
- Designate and decide on areas of Departmental and Ministerial responsibility where no such responsibility is clear, accepted or admitted. To then allocate these responsibilities to ensure the desired and clearly stated outcomes are achieved within set time-frames.
- Ensure all cost savings achieved are ongoing by implementing guidelines, overseeing their implementation and educating management.
- Be given responsibility for allocating necessary resources (from those existing within government), setting applicable Key Performance Levels (KPL) and managing staff to complete its set objectives and achieve all desired outcomes.
- All reports will be concise and written in plain English, with detailed analysis provided only when requested.
- The emphasis will be on outcomes, results, savings, improved service and efficiency not on unnecessary documentation, sub-committees or meetings.
This Office would require minimal personnel for it would (as required) allocate additional resources from relevant Departments (not exceeding an agreed limit), and investigate and set goals, priorities and outcomes in simple terms.
Initial targets for the Office of Business in Government would be;
- Documented ongoing budgetary savings through reduced red tape via improved coordination and processes.
- Improved public service in all areas, with all agreed objectives (including time-frames) being met.
- Improved accountability within government departments creating efficiencies and gains in time and processes.
- Improved ‘connection’ between wants and needs of the public and what government provides.
- Overall improved perception of government efficiency, thereby attracting a higher class of personnel and additional budget savings through their specialist knowledge and experience.
- Improved performance measurement and ongoing guidance to ensure operational efficiencies are maintained.
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