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Issue 5

GOVERNMENT, PUBLIC SERVICES, MODERNISATION

Our fifth issue policy focus is on the theme of Government, Public Services and Modernisation. We also consider a range of broader public policy issues. As always, we welcome comment and contributions. Our next issue will feature discussion and analysis on the policy theme of Training, Skills, Education and the Economy. Please contact us if you would like to discuss contributing to the next issue: scottishpolicynow@mackayhannah.com

Editorial

It's sometimes hard to separate the impact of any discussion on possible Independence from the wider turmoil of ideas that surround current discussion of developing public policies in Scotland...

Government, Public Services and Modernisation

In this issue's policy focus you will find a range of articles giving perspectives on public services, modernisation and reform.

Its Blue Lights and Prevention

An interview with Alasdair Hay, Chief Officer of the new Scottish Fire and Rescue Service discussing the task of merging eight brigades and looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.

In My View...

John Morrison is former Chief Political Correspondent of BBC Scotland. As a Scottish Policy Now regular columnist he gives an insight into what is unfolding in policy terms beyond the politics and rhetoric of the day. In this issue his theme is broadband and digital access...

Small Business Growth Needs An Effective Finance Function

SMEs with well-developed finance teams achieve faster more sustainable growth for longer. The professional finance function helps to release the real potential.

International School Meals Day - Policy in Practice

Scotland plays its role in promoting healthy school meals globally as Scottish children and schools add their voices to the drive to raise awareness of hunger and poverty.

ScotRail's Focus on the Future

ScotRail's Sean Duffy believes Scotland's railway is just at the start of a passenger and service renaissance.

Growing Our Rail Network

Network Rail believe that Scotland's rail system is safe, punctual and running near to capacity. Continued investment and close partnership working is key to delivering further growth.

SNH wants to encourage people onto trains in the Year of Natural Scotland

The 2013 Year of Natural Scotland aims to maximise tourism and economic benefit with a £3.4 million campaign expected to bring £68 million into the Scottish economy. One project focussing on rail travel in the Year of Natural Scotland is an audio guide and app for visitors developed by Scottish Natural Heritage and ScotRail.

How Can We Innovate Using the Internet?

Can a more democratic web and open, identity-safe data combine to liberate an innovation culture rooted in individuals rather than large corporate and public systems?

Scotland: Rich Country? Poor Country? Rich People? Poor People?

The policy difficulty of not examining often long held assumptions is that we can then make policies; decisions and laws. We wonder - later - why they don't work.

So, how do you do things over there cobber?

What can Australia and Scotland learn from their respective approaches to coping with recession and the consequences for social and economic policy?

Policy Shorts

Plastic bag tax in Northern Ireland and how much does government spend and on what?

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