tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189064357283855936.post1331657297519665757..comments2024-02-01T09:25:16.606+00:00Comments on Bubb's Blog: Working with the Civil ServiceSir Stephen Bubbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13575202213305419556noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189064357283855936.post-67799847894093106022008-10-04T09:10:00.000+01:002008-10-04T09:10:00.000+01:00Not sure we're talking about how you can up-scale ...Not sure we're talking about how you can up-scale the process of innovating, more how can we ensure that worthwhile innovations can be put into practice for as many of our citizens as quickly as possible. The 'small is beautiful' argument doesn't need to be argued for or against, as if the innovation can be demonstrated to work best in a small/local way, then we need to replicate this in as many communities as possible. On the other hand if the innovation can be demonstrated to need scale to work long-term (e.g. if there's a need to be able to stand comparison against private sector options for service delivery) then we need to upscale that innovation quickly. There mustn't be one solution but different solutions to best deliver each innovation (but this requires some intelligent approaches from the third sector rather than dogmatic stances).<BR/><BR/>Again, in terms of actually having the ability to do all of this, the solutions may well be different - for the former (smaller/local) then the third sector needs to be better at sharing and disseminating (and accepting!) best practice, while for the latter we do need positive intervention from Government to support this, in the form of financial support, positive action on contracts (if only for a period until there's more of a level playing field) and support in areas that will help these third sector organisations grow succesfully (organisational/business/financial processes etc) as although the Third Sector, as you say Stephen, has loads of 'passion and commitment' it does lack in many (although certainly not all) organisations, at least in my opinion/experience, the skills required to run high-performing organisations - with these skills honed you've got a winning combination for the sector (which is maybe why such support isn't readily forthcoming - which government would want such a strong player around?). <BR/><BR/>Stick with it Stephen, we need to change Government hearts and minds!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1189064357283855936.post-17866715870189546272008-10-04T04:19:00.000+01:002008-10-04T04:19:00.000+01:00Stephen,Not sure that you can 'up-scale' innovatio...Stephen,<BR/><BR/>Not sure that you can 'up-scale' innovation as a business process but much better that you embrace the passion and uniqueness of the Third Sector and encourage innovation to evolve.<BR/><BR/>This evolution is an organic process that finds a catalyst much easier amongst people driven by ethics, belief and passion - and that is clearly three commodities that we are most certainly not lacking in this sector ;-)<BR/><BR/>As an ex-Civil Servant of over twenty years I fully understand how slow those cogs turn at times. I quit to 'give something back' and have been working with community and voluntary groups on a 'pro bono' basis. <BR/><BR/>Next Friday (10th October) I will be meeting with the Rt Hon Hazel Blears to put forward a community plan for an eco-centre in Manchester to replace the failed super-casino, something that wouldn't have been possible without the Governments commitment to the Third Sector approach. <BR/><BR/>I am now taking the next step and setting up as a freelance consultant in the Third Sector as I wouldn't want to work anywhere else.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for pushing the agenda - the benefits to society are worth all the effort.<BR/><BR/>Take care,<BR/><BR/>Damian<BR/>Chair of Communities for Stability<BR/>www.c4stability.comDamianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16027494208382812570noreply@blogger.com