What government priorities does the UK need to save the public sector

The UK is currently facing some of the worst peacetime conditions, so what government priorities do we need to reinstate the public sector?

While the UK weathers economic disruption, a well-being crisis and constant flux in government, government priorities are necessary to lessen the eroding public sector through underfunding and increased pressure on services.

The government and the prime minister have a brief opportunity to influence and improve the efficacy of public services. Now more than ever before, our public sector is needed to provide for the millions of people around the country who rely on support to help them through some of the hardest times the UK has faced to date.

From the near collapse of the NHS due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the rising cost of living, the institutions we’ve relied on for the last 100 years feel on the brink. We have to look hard at the structures of our organisations and fundamentally reinvent them around the changing needs of the country. While there is no easy way out of our current predicament, Rishi Sunak’s government priorities must help to alleviate the issues the public sector is facing.

Rishi Sunak’s government priorities must help to alleviate the issues the public sector is facing

The change we need will look like letting go – not holding the problems closer. The problems the public sector needs to solve are on the front line – not behind the doors of 10 Downing Street. Only the strongest leaders have the confidence to empower and trust experts, listen to the front line and take advice. Only society can solve these societal issues – so we need to start with humility and understanding before ideas and action.

Addressing the cost of living crisis is a priority

The UK risks a snowballing increase of social and health problems in the years ahead due to public sector cuts and growing economic pressure on households. To mitigate a future crisis, the central government must give local government bodies the power and resources to deliver support to their communities based on their best judgement rather than generic policies. We saw during COVID that local authorities, schools and hospitals were resilient and ready to make rapid changes on the frontline. Giving away control will ensure that local authorities and public service providers are given the challenge and investment to act autonomously during periods of disruption we have been recently experiencing.

Rehabilitating the NHS

Increasing the effectiveness of the NHS at the people and system level is now essential, meaning we need to move away from funding projects piecemeal to shift to a system-led strategy, empowering the new Integrated Care Boards to meet the needs of their populations. For example, ensuring the current rollout of electronic patient records makes sharing data between primary, secondary and social care providers easier. Professionals all along the care pathway would be equipped with the data and tools they need to provide personalised care.

The government must embrace the power of its data and the efficiencies new technologies can bring to the NHS and the public sector more broadly. While the government has made some impressive commitments in recent years, such as their plans for digital health and social care, there is still much more to be done to deliver better healthcare solutions and experiences for people.

Protecting the education system

Underfunded educational institutions are now facing staff shortages, with some schools closing early before the 2022 festive break. Heads fear a wave of staff leavers, bigger class sizes and reductions to the curriculum. From teaching unions demanding more funding to soaring energy bills impacting schools all over the country, the sustainability of the UK’s education system will hang in the balance for months to come.

It is this generation that will deliver the nation’s economic recovery

In pursuing better standards and more efficient processes, technology can become an important partner to the education system, reducing the administrative burden and providing a more consistent learning experience throughout the curriculum. Modernising systems can also help careers in education appeal to the inbound future workforce. The new government priorities must involve a commitment to the UK’s future leaders, after all, it is this generation that will deliver the nation’s economic recovery.

The government clearly has its work cut out if the UK has any chance of overcoming its current financial and social crises. The new Prime Minister and his cabinet must embrace all the tools at their disposal to help increase the effectiveness of the public sector and help rebuild organisational structures. It will be a lot of work, but with trust and the right collaborative approach, I am confident that restoration of the public sector is not only possible but inevitable.

This piece was written by James Reeve, Managing Partner, TPXimpact