• BristolPress | Story Of The Day
Saturday, August 9, 2025
  • Login
Bristol Press
  • Home
  • World
  • News
  • Politics
    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

    Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

    Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

    Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

    Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

    Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

    How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

    Trending Tags

    • Business

      Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

      Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

    • Sports
      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

      Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

      Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

      Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

      Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

      Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

      Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

      Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

      Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

      Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

      Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

      Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

      Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

      Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

      The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

      The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

      Trending Tags

      • Technology
        Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

        Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

        Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

        Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

        Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

        Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

        Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

        Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

        ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

        ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

      • Health
        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

        Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

        ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

        ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

        Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

        Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

        Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

        Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

      • Entertainment
        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

        Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

        Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

        Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

        Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

        DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

        DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

        People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

        People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

      • Life Style
      • Travel
      • Education
        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

        Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

        Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

        Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

        Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

        Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

        Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

        Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

      • Real Estate
      No Result
      View All Result
      • Home
      • World
      • News
      • Politics
        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Scots selling counterfeit goods less likely to face prosecution as conviction rate plummets

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Librarian cuts at Glasgow schools will ‘rob kids of opportunities’ as SNP Government urged to intervene

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Nicola Sturgeon agrees to TV special as ex-SNP leader to be grilled on ‘striking revelations’ in new book

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Donald Trump diary reveals exact time he will arrive in Scotland

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        Scots ‘forced to wait years’ for hernia operations as NHS struggles to meet demand

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        System must work to protect public as report finds chances missed with Southport killer

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        NHS in Scotland ‘stuck in analogue age’ as health boards shell out millions on pagers

        Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

        Scottish Labour MP to vote against welfare reforms despite Keir Starmer climbdown

        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Buy British buses to save 400 Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis, says MP

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        Scots fear crime is rising in their local area as SNP Government accused of ‘hollowing out’ police

        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        Senior member of Anas Sarwar’s shadow cabinet ‘opposed’ to Labour welfare cuts bill

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

        How the Scottish MPs voted in the assisted dying debate

        Trending Tags

        • Business

          Salesforce boss Marc Benioff joins Weev.

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          What is a virtual office and why you need one in Central London – Your Company Formations Ltd

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Inflation rises again to new 40-year high

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Bank of England hikes interest rates to 1.25%

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Hiring activity in Scotland slows amid steep decline in staff availability

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

          Scottish retail footfall growth ‘worst in UK compared to pre-pandemic’

        • Sports
          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Lyall Cameron slammed for ‘disrespect’ as Rangers new boy comes under fire for Dundee ‘jibes’

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Celtic risk blowing £1.6m transfer windfall as defensive duo head out on loan – Parkhead news bulletin

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Prince William’s firm five-word statement to Chloe Kelly about Euros goal uncovered by lip reader

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Kieran Tierney genius exposes ‘sloppy’ Ajax as Celtic earn rival acclaim despite Como Cup hammering

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Andrej Bacanin makes Celtic transfer intentions clear amid Rangers claim as direct link with Lennon Miller emerges

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Rangers strongest XI for Panathinaikos as Thelo Aasgaard injury blow opens door for Euro history-maker

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Celtic could ‘renew interest’ in Evan Ferguson as transfer hijack follows Yamada hint and Ambrosino U turn

          Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

          Exact cost of Rangers injury crisis revealed as payments to crocked stars double that of Celtic

          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Conor Coady in Diogo Jota tribute as old Wolves pal celebrates an ‘incredible person’

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          Brendan Rodgers described me as huge Celtic coup after 24 clubs wanted me – now I have retired aged just 28

          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          Ange Postecoglou to LAFC has direct Celtic link as MLS heavy hitters plot ambitious manager move

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          The Rangers transfers Russell Martin needs revealed as AEK set Dessers deadline and Shankland a no-brainer

          Trending Tags

          • Technology
            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Tech fans rush to buy £30 Acer Chromebook tablet that is ‘perfect for work and play’

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Apple fans rush to buy MacBook for only £99 after 54% price slash

            Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

            Lego Game Boy unveiled with pre-orders now live – but some point out ‘disappointing’ flaw

            Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

            Panasonic dishes out £100 takeaway vouchers and 15% off ‘first class’ OLED TVs

            ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

            ‘Classy’ smartwatch that ‘performs as well as expensive brands’ now £50 in Amazon Prime deal

          • Health
            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Nicotine pouches packaged like kid’s sweets sold in Glasgow shop

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            Tesco recalls popular beauty and skincare product over nasty infection risk

            ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

            ‘I used old-fashioned method to lose 4stone after microwave incident’

            Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

            Donald Trump medical condition diagnosed as US President suffers swollen legs

            Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

            Clinical microbiologist issues warning over hidden ‘droppings’ in bed sheets

          • Entertainment
            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Sainsbury’s ‘gorgeous’ £25 jacket shoppers say is ‘good for all weather’

            Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

            Tesco shoppers ‘run’ to stores for ‘gorgeous’ £29.50 cardigan

            Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

            Former DWP employee urges all parents to claim Child Benefit to boost State Pension payments

            DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

            DWP boss defends welfare reform changes after PIP plans put on hold

            People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

            People on highest PIP could see payments rise to nearly £800 each month from next April

          • Life Style
          • Travel
          • Education
            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Of the 67 paramedics trained in Wales this year, only 20 have been given jobs

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

            Schoolgirl achieved something incredible and made everyone proud

            Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

            Fury as Welsh Government rejects recommended 4.8% pay rise for teachers

            Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

            Vocational skills to be offered at new secondary school in Swansea

            Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

            Lecturer struck off after falling asleep, playing on his phone and describing students as ‘d*** heads’

          • Real Estate
          No Result
          View All Result
          Bristol Press
          No Result
          View All Result

          Government decision making is tough but it can be far smarter

          by Albert K. Martin
          March 20, 2022
          in Opinion
          0
          0
          SHARES
          4
          VIEWS
          Share on FacebookShare on Twitter



          As someone who spent over two years working as an advisor to the Welsh Government on creating the case for a new Development Bank for Wales, I know from first-hand experience that policymaking isn’t always easy.

          Ministers often have very little time to examine every potential option in detail and are often reliant upon their civil servants to provide the right advice and guidance on key decisions.

          In many respects, this was brought into stark focus during the Covid 19 pandemic when politicians and policymakers had to work quickly and without any prior experience to cope with a once in a lifetime event that had no prior reference points to relate to.

          Some, such as former chief adviser to the Prime Minister Dominic Cummings, have suggested that the civil service simply wasn’t fit for purpose in dealing with a national emergency and needs root and branch reform to be fit for the 21st century.

          As well as an in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. To sign up to this service CLICK HERE

          LinkedIn

          And, follow us on LinkedIn to catch the latest stories and to network with the Welsh business community.

          Whilst the Covid-19 inquiry will no doubt shed light on how this whole process was managed, the real question remains as we come out of the pandemic namely how those in power will re-engage with major challenges such as failing hospitals, low industrial productivity, a declining social care sector, transitioning to a low carbon economy and below average educational attainment.

          According to a recent report by the Institute for Government, better policy making will be key to ensuring that both national and devolved governments can make a real difference to addressing these challenges. However, as this detailed study shows, a number of problems remain in achieving this.

          Firstly, the electoral cycle combined with regular cabinet reshuffles means that government tends to think in delivering short term outcomes rather than dealing with longer term priorities. Whenever a new minister comes in with a new shiny idea, then the whole focus of the department shifts immediately to dealing with the immediate impact of how to please the new incumbent rather than on effective long term policy.

          Then there is the lack of policy knowledge where we still have many civil servants who are generalists in terms of policy. This is not surprising as the focus of their job is on how manage policy in general rather than on becoming experts in specific areas of policy.

          They also seem to have few relationships with external experts that can provide the necessary support and when they do, there is usually little impact on actual policy from this apart from some commissioned reports that very few people end up reading.

          However, the main issues remains that of implementation especially in understanding how policy will be turned into practice. Too often, the people who will be responsible for making the policy happen are not present in the room when policy decisions are made. Also, there seems to be little consultation with key stakeholders regarding those will be directly impacted by any policy decision.

          So what should be done to change this situation?

          According to the Institute of Government, ministers need to be held accountable for their decisions even after they have been moved elsewhere although there should also be consideration of keeping them in post long enough to effective as well as holding the Cabinet directly responsible for the quality of their decision-making.

          In terms of civil service accountability, there should be a dedicated head of policy within each government department who will be responsible for the overall quality of policy advice and be responsible for any policy research commissioned.

          These individuals should undertake the evaluation of policies’ success and help co-ordinate responses to cross-cutting policy problems. This should include greater use of case study examples of good and bad policy making, and the techniques that can be used to develop effective policy.

          There also needs to be more balanced internal teams that include leaders, policy specialists and delivery experts and these should be complemented through more up-to-date ways in engaging directly with the key stakeholders affected by government policy.

          Indeed, it is that proper level of engagement that will ensure policies are implemented properly and at the very least, there needs to be greater public transparency on how decisions are made that affect all of our lives.

          Of course, as we have seen from the experiences of managing the Covid pandemic, neither ministers nor civil servants get it right all of the time. In fact, it is often more important to build consensus and compromise rather than holding out for a solution that will be unacceptable to many of those that will have to live with that decision.

          However, what is probably most important is to create an environment where there is clarity not confusion about what government is trying to achieve and, more relevantly, to be open to advice that is both critical and challenging in order to improve policymaking.

          Consulting with the public to merely affirm a decision that has already been taken is not only counterproductive but could have long term implications if the concerns of citizens are not taken into account.

          Whilst dealing with Covid may be something that is slowly becoming less important in the in-trays of ministers, it is clear that there are too many other long standing problems that need urgent attention. Better policymaking processes within government and greater interaction with other key stakeholders should be the first step in ensuring that some progress is made on these over the next few years.

          Read More
          Related Articles
          Read More
          Related Articles



          Source link

          Previous Post

          Food and energy set to cost Scots an extra £1,100 a year

          Next Post

          The latest school Covid case figures in every part of Wales

          Next Post
          The latest school Covid case figures in every part of Wales

          The latest school Covid case figures in every part of Wales

          • BristolPress | Story Of The Day
          • Privacy Policy
          • Publishing Request
          • Contact

          Copyrights © 2024 BristoPress.co.uk | One of the authentic and fast UK News source.

          Welcome Back!

          Login to your account below

          Forgotten Password?

          Retrieve your password

          Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

          Log In
          No Result
          View All Result
          • BristolPress | Story Of The Day
          • Contact
          • Privacy Policy

          Copyrights © 2024 BristoPress.co.uk | One of the authentic and fast UK News source.