cadence comments about commissioning

10 Oct 2011

All in it together?

I do not think the 'all in it together' phrase was used much at the Conservative conference last week. The response that lots of our clients have is 'yes, and some of us more than other' ... more

28 Sep 2011

What we do ... (and why)

We are often asked 'what is it that you do'? An answer along the lines of public policy research and strategy projects can cause a number of reactions. Sometimes it results in a glazed look and no further questions or more often than not the question 'what is that you do'? is repeated. The best way of answering is often to talk about real projects we are involved in and usually one of the areas we mention will interest our inquisitor. Dealing with cuts, commissioning, museums (yes museums), homelessness ... more

13 Sep 2011

Mmmmmm museums ...

It is fair to say that some of our public policy friends have not really twigged why and how museums can offer so much. Is anyone to blame for that? ... more

27 Jun 2011

Cutting off nose and getting support

If a charity closes because it loses its funding it is a bit different to a private sector supplier who loses a contract. Many third sector organisations are very dependant on a few small sources of funding and cannot survive their loss. If they have to close they are likely to be gone forever, whereas a private organisation will suffer, but probably has more of a mix of income streams to see them through tough times ... more

3 May 2011

The alternative vote - council elections

The media attention in the run up to election day is clearly on the voting system is referendum. Their attention might turn to the council elections when the results came in on Friday. All across the country a new set of councillors will be faced with trying to deliver some 'challenging' budgets. Nobody want to lose control of a town hall, but ... more

13 Apr 2011

Fit for purpose (and cuts)

The public sector has always struggled as a buyer. Paying well over the odds for paper clips and light switches tends to get the Mail enraged, but the problem is inevitably more complex than that. Anyone who bares the scars of filling in a local authority PQQ will have some inkling as to why things go wrong. The term 'fit for purpose' is the one that always create tension here in Cadence HQ ... more