Robinson backs best practice for public services

Another round of the Northern Ireland Best Practice Scheme, an initiative to improve services across the public sector, was launched today by the Finance Minister, Rt Hon Peter Robinson, MP MLA.

Running since 2004, the scheme encourages people from the wider Northern Ireland public sector, and the voluntary and community sectors, to share experiences through a series of learning activities. The aim for participants is to adapt key knowledge into their own organisations in order to improve the quality of their services to the citizen.

Sixteen organisations, all with excellent track records of customer service development and business improvement, have been selected by an independent panel for the scheme’s latest round.

Speaking at an event in Belfast today to mark the launch of round three, Mr. Robinson underlined his support for the Best Practice scheme: “It is encouraging to see such a large cross section of participants from central and local government, housing, the economy, education and health. And I am pleased that we again have involvement and representation from the voluntary and community sector, who in partnership with government, play a key role in shaping and delivering public services.

“I want devolution to make a real difference to the delivery of public services in Northern Ireland. The adoption of best practice methods can do much to help raise the public sector’s game, which will be reflected in increasing customer satisfaction.”

Among the participants at today’s event was the Cedar Foundation, a leading Northern Ireland disability organisation, which delivers a range of services to encourage people with disabilities to be fully included in society. Its Chief Executive, Stephen Matthews, also highlighted the Foundation’s commitment to the Best Practice ideals: “We are delighted to be involved in the Northern Ireland Best Practice Scheme. We have previously benefited from the scheme as participants, gaining a valuable insight into other best practice organisations. Since winning the EFQM European Excellence Award and becoming an Investor in People Champion in 2007, I feel that it is timely to share our approaches and expertise with others.”

Representing the education sector, Father Eamon Martin, President of St Columb’s College, Londonderry, added his support for the scheme: “In recent years we have engaged in an extensive and innovative programme of staff development which has led to our recognition as a centre of excellence in the use of educational technology. We are very pleased to be able to share our journey through the Best Practice scheme and to encourage others from within and beyond the education sector to take risks for improvement.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Northern Ireland Best Practice Scheme (round one) was originally launched as a one year pilot in 2004 with four Participating Organisations.

2. Round two of the scheme ran between 2005 and 2007 with eight participating organisations.

3. The sixteen organisations that have been included for round three were selected by an independent panel via an application and assessment process.

4. Members of the panel were Ray Wright, Deputy Director, Delivery and Innovation Division, Department of Finance and Personnel; Eleanor Gill, Chief Executive, General Consumer Council; and Tom Frawley CBE, Northern Ireland Ombudsman.

5. Participating organisations will each hold a minimum of two learning activities during the period of the scheme (two years). The programme will commence in March 2008.

6. The sixteen participating organisations are:

• Antrim Borough Council
• Belfast City Council
• Belfast Model School for Girls
• BIH Housing Association
• Cedar Foundation
• Invest NI
• Land Registers Northern Ireland
• Northern Ireland Citizen Interaction Centre
• Northern Ireland Housing Executive
• North Eastern Education and Library Board
• Northern Health and Social Care Trust
• Omagh District Council
• Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland
• Roads Service
• St Columb’s College, Derry
• St Joseph’s Primary School, Crumlin

7. For further information, please contact Stephen Girvan by phone on 028 9081 6029 or by email at: stephen.girvan@dfpni.gov.uk or visit www.bestpracticeni.gov.uk

8. Media enquiries only to DFP Press Office on 028 9052 7644 or 028 9052 27375. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.