The public sector must transform the existing public service model to provide greater value for money and more bespoke and localised service delivery. Leaders must redesign services and their organisations to find more efficient and effective ways of delivering modern, customer-centric public services. This cannot be achieved without significant behaviour change on the part of managers at all levels and employees on the front line. There must be a strong strategic narrative from the top, making the case for change, and actions must reflect this in order to build integrity and trust within the workforce. Managers have a vital role to play in consulting employees, addressing concerns and providing reassurance, and employees must be supported to have a voice.

Employee Engagement, Skills and Capability: meeting the challenge of change will focus on the link between employee engagement, skills and public sector productivity and innovation, looking at major themes including capability building, staff involvement and empowerment, behaviour and culture change, and the importance of strong leadership.