Silos and Black Holes
So the review headed by George Reid has now been published. It doesn't pull its punches about what it views as the dysfunctional nature of the assembly's Senior Management Board. Amongst other things it talks of a "silo mentality" with parts of the Assembly and suggestions for change going into a "black hole". The Chief Clerk's retirement was announced some time ago - other senior managers are now on the move back to their original perches in the civil service. Carol Devon, Director of Access at the Scottish Parliament, has been appointed as interim Chief Executive for the next few months.
The Reid report also recommends the creation of a new assembly staff service separate from the civil service and backs the construction of a new building to accommodate Stormont committees and other facilities. This will be on the Stormont estate (probably on the site of the staff car park).
So the start of a new era? Us scribblers will only believe it when we are liberated from our incarceration in the Stormont basement.
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This review is well overdue and can only bring about a new willingness of the staff to show to the world that they can take the lead in running what was once called the "envy of other Parliaments and Assemblys". Although it appears that SMB have been FOUND OUT i can only hope that with the departure of what some would call EMPIRE BUILDING managers, that the new SMB will fulfil all the recommendtions put forward by the Review team. Heres hoping that the next 12 to 18 months brings about a clear understanding of the needs of not only the MLAs but the needs of the Staff who have had to work under dysfunctional managmentfor the past several years.
IN Cider's comments are not fair, staff and mla's should spare a thought for the four senior managers whose careers and repuations have been totally and so publicly wrecked by a review team comprising of THEIR OWN civil service colleagues.
My thoughts are with them, at what must be an emotional and difficult time for them and their families.
It's a total disgrace!!!
The fact that "THEIR OWN civil service colleagues" removed them proves it wasnt personal. The review was based on the evidence and results gathered from staff consultation. They had a long time to get things right and i'm sure they can console themselves with a holiday or retirement!
Another Blogger has to be one of the SMB, no one else in here felt any sympathy towards them. They had ample opportunity during suspension of the Assembly when things where quieter to implement improvements, but instead chose to sit on their hands (to put it politely) and let things drift. COMMENT EDITED FOR LEGAL REASONS