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chapter two: Principles and values of reform
12. The vision which guides our approach to reform is that we can aim to have public services which we will know to be amongst the most successful, effective and innovative in the world.
13. The values underpinning our commitment to public services are that they must:
- promote social justice and equality;
- build for the future - fostering sustainable change, which supports a growing economy, a better environment and strong communities.
Sustainable Development
Following the signing of the UK Framework on sustainable development in March 2005, we published the Scottish sustainable development strategy 'Choosing our Future' in December. It is built around:
- the well-being of Scotland's people;
- Scotland's thriving communities;
- Scotland's natural heritage and resources; and
- Scotland's global contribution;
together with the education, learning, structures and proceses needed to support delivery.
This document recognises the need for the public sector in Scotland to have the administrative structures to support delivery, where we use public procurement to maximum effect and where we continually seek to reduce our global environmental impact.
14. There are five elements which are fundamental to our approach to reform. Public services need to
1. be user focused and personalised to ensure that services are organised around the needs and aspirations of service users and citizens, not the convenience of the service provider;
2. drive up quality and encourage innovation - setting high standards, tackling poor performance, promoting innovation and creativity, and building in continuous improvement;
To achieve these outcomes, we must:
3. improve efficiency and productivity - reducing unnecessary bureaucracy, embedding a culture of efficiency across public services, and strengthening leadership;
4. join up services and minimise separation - joining up services across organisational boundaries, and sharing best practice;
5. strengthen accountability - moving power and resources to the frontline, strengthening local responsibility and accountability and efficient and effective governance.
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