Maximising Value from HR
June 7, 2010 in Our Track Record
In the past, UK organisation were stereotyped by their slashing of training budgets when finances were tight – and then suffering the skills shortages which followed.
A new stereotype might be organisations looking to make efficiencies and reduce expenditure in their back-office functions so they can protect front line services.
Across the public sector, this “mantra” is being widely and loosely used without being explained in detail.
Real dangers exist where the implications of change are poorly thought through.
In richer times, it is easy to make the case for investment in services which support staff delivering effective front-line services. When times are hard, this is more difficult and its vital then, more than ever, to demonstrate how corporate teams impact on the business.
When organisations are looking to reduce expenditure, it is common to look for reductions in “overheads” – costs which can be reduced with little impact on front line services. Corporate back-office functions look “vulnerable” in this climate.
Organisations should always strive to ensure they are working in the most effective way – the optimum value between expenditure and achieving required outcomes. Back-office functions should be scrutinized as closely as other areas though it’s vital to keep a focus on what will maximise value rather than simply “reduce expenditure”. Read the rest of this entry →
In Northern Ireland, the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) is looking for new enterprise IT systems.
Public sector organisations are tasked with delivering significant savings through “efficiencies”.
The pressure for back office functions grows ever stronger as politicians struggle to find ways to protect front line services.
