Public sector leaders urged to be ‘bold and innovative’ to deliver reform

Leaders of public bodies must be “bold and innovative” in order to deliver reform in the sector, Ivan McKee will say.

The public finance minister, who has been tasked with overseeing public sector reform in John Swinney’s Government, will insist “real progress” is being made towards this goal.

He will deliver a speech to the think tank Reform Scotland on Thursday evening, discussing his plans to improve efficiency.

Critics have said the Government has been vague and opaque in its approach to reorganising the public sector.

In January, convener of Holyrood’s Finance Committee Kenneth Gibson said the Government’s stated plans were “not impressive”.

We intend to lead our own agenda, not follow others

He referred to a recent report from Audit Scotland which called for “fundamental change” to ensure public services remain affordable.

During the speech in Edinburgh, Mr McKee will say: “Improving Scotland’s public services is a key priority for this Government, and that means being open to change, to acknowledging that we can deliver services more efficiently and effectively.

“Only by being bold and embracing the need for change can we ensure the people of Scotland get the high-quality services they need and deserve, now and in the future.”

He will say the Government is making “real progress in reforming our public sector” but acknowledge there is more to do.

Mr McKee will add: “We intend to lead our own agenda, not follow others.

“And while leadership from the Scottish Government matters, Scotland’s public services also need leaders who are willing to try and try again, while recognising that however good we are, we can always get better.

“As a Government we will trust in organisations and communities to deliver reform. I want people to be bold and innovative right across the public sector.”