Government Social Research
Reports on progress with the Citizen Information Project.
The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Paul Boateng, referred to his announcement on 6 January 2004 (Official Report, column 7WS) of work for a UK population register being conducted by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and known as the citizen information project (CIP). 'It is concerned with whether or not the use of a population register would improve the quality of basic data held by Government, generate efficiency savings across Government and support improved public services.' Mr Boateng said that the CIP team had now recommended that proposals for a national identity register (NIR), as part of the Government's proposals for ID cards, mean that if ID cards were to become compulsory then it may be more cost effective to deliver these benefits through the NIR, rather than develop a separate register. The Government has accepted this recommendation.
ONS will report to Ministers by June 2005. This includes examining in more detail how the NIR could function as a population register and exploring opportunities for adding value to existing database developments that could be cost effective ahead of the NIR reaching maturity. ONS is also exploring how efficiency and analytical requirements that cover the whole population, rather than just adults, can be met.
The Civil Service Management Board is launching a programme of measures aimed at Improving Professional Capacity of the Service.
The aim is to ensure that the right skills and expertise are available at all levels and in every area that contributes to end-to-end delivery. Adding to our action to improve leadership, we are building a Service better equipped to tackle the current agenda for public service reform and implement the priorities of future Governments.
The first step is to consult widely on the proposed implementation of the IPC plans and what it means to career development and work in Departments and Agencies. This consultation will be launched on the afternoon of 18 October at The Victoria Park Plaza Hotel in central London, at an interactive and informative event called 'Professional Skills for Government'.
Sue Duncan has been recognised by Cardiff University for her 'distinction through the award of an Honorary Fellowship'
' Her role is essential, to provide research to support and implement policy making'.
The award is the latest boost to the high profile of Government Social Research and the esteem in which it is held.