Review of Public Administration
The third seminar on 22nd March 2006 was on the topic of 'Review of Public Administration: Impact on the Community Sector', and was chaired by Geraldine McAteer. Keynote speakers at this event were Marie-Thérèse McGivern, Director of Development at Belfast City Council; Dr Debbie Donnelly, Project Manager with the Review of Public Administration Team; and Colm Bradley, Director with Community Technical Aid. | Marie-Thérèse highlighted three main challenges in making Northern Ireland a better place to live in: sustained economic growth, a world-class place, and strategic leadership. In a wide-ranging review, she highlighted that Review of Public Administration (RPA) presented many challenges for public service delivery, such as rationalisation, better performance, customer focus and new structures. The central role of Community Planning in the co-ordination of service delivery was highlighted as a future key role for Belfast City Council. |  |
Dr Debbie Donnelly presented an overview of RPA and the rationale for the proposed new structures for public bodies. The role of Community Planning was also highlighted in her review. In the final presentation, Colm Bradley focused on the new power of Community Planning that the new 'Super Councils' will implement. He explained that the Scottish Model of Community Planning was being proposed for Northern Ireland, and that it would be underpinned by legislation. As such, public sector agencies will be legally required to co-operate and implement this proposed new planning framework. Colm also alluded to the transfer of planning services to the Council, and in particular the impact on land use planning. This would enable the new Councils to create stronger links between areas of need and opportunities of economic prosperity. A follow-up workshop was held on 29th March 2006 at the Millennium Community Outreach Centre. Colm Bradley of Community Technical Aid facilitated the workshop. To view the workshop report click here. If you wish to make any comments on the workshop report, or on the topic of this seminar, please click here.
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