Welcome to the PolicyBristol newsletter – a monthly showcase of the latest policy-relevant research from the University of Bristol.
This month we highlight a briefing that calls into question the use of management consultants in the NHS, showing that millions of pounds are being wasted each year on management consultants who are causing a service already under pressure to become less efficient.
Following recent snowy conditions, the PolicyBristol blog hosts a topical piece exploring the winter health crisis, suggesting it could be solved in homes rather hospitals.
In team news, we have an exciting opportunity to work as part of the PolicyBristol team, providing maternity cover for PB Coordinator Anthea Terry. Full details and online application can be found here; the closing date for applications is 14th March.
For more information about PolicyBristol, please see our website. You can also join our mailing list here.
If this email cuts off at the bottom, just follow the link to view it in your browser.
|
|
|
Management Consultancy and inefficiency in the NHS: time for an urgent review
Until now, it has been hard to evaluate competing claims over the efficiency of using management consultants. Experts have collected four years of data from 120 hospital trusts in England, revealing that, generally, management consultants are not only failing to improve the efficiency of NHS hospitals, but, in most cases, are making the situation worse, especially considering the fees paid.
Read more.
|
|
|
Why the annual winter health crisis could be solved in homes, not hospitals
As winter continues, so does the usual soul searching about the state of the UK’s National Health Service. But to decrease winter mortality and morbidity dramatically, Professor Richard Morris suggests that we need to improve housing and insulation – and find more efficient and economic ways of heating homes.
Read more.
|
|
|
Brexit negotiations phase two - here's what happens next
The second phase of Brexit negotiations will focus on settling the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Nieves Perez-Solorzano predicts that national preferences are likely to become more obvious in this next phase, testing the EU27's unity. But as has been the case so far, the pressure – from various conflicting interests – will very much remain on the UK government.
Read more.
|
|
|
Management consultants don't save the NHS money - new evidence
Few topics in the NHS have provoked as much controversy as the use of external management consultants. In a blog to accompany the policy briefing, Andrew Sturdy calls for NHS trusts to seriously rethink their use of external management consultants that do not deliver value for money – and that, in fact, do quite the opposite.
Read more.
|
|
|
In Focus: animal welfare, agricultural policy and policy implications
DEFRA recently announced plans to crack down on puppy farms, where a ban on third party puppy sales will be explored as part of a package of animal welfare reforms.
The Government has announced there will be a review on its 25 year Bovine TB strategy. Bovine TB has a negative effect on the health and welfare of affected animals.
|
|
|
Strengthening consumer redress in housing
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has launched a consultation on improving redress in the housing sector, including exploring the option of a single housing ombudsman
Closes: 16 April 2018
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
|
|
|
You can find more information about ongoing consultations and inquiries on our Intranet. |
|
JOB OPPORTUNITY: PolicyBristol Coordinator
Can you help solve society's biggest challenges by connecting world-class academics and policymakers? We have an exciting job vacancy within our team, working to enhance the influence and impact of research on policy. This post is focused on engineering and physical sciences, and will work alongside the rest of the PolicyBristol team to deliver a programme of activities both for internal University audiences, and external stakeholder groups.
Full details and online application can be found here. Closing date for applications is 14th March; interviews scheduled for 26th March.
|
|
|
Girls in care more likely to report lower well-being than boys
About a quarter of girls in care have low well-being and feel the stigma of care more deeply than do boys according to a new study, which set out to understand what well-being means to looked after children. You can read the Our Lives Our Care report here.
Find out more.
|
|
|
|
Mastering maritime security: promoting best practice in guardianship of the sea
Tackling maritime security is one of the major global challenges today. More than 90% of trade takes place by sea, with over 10,000 million tons of cargo transported via the world’s oceans every year. International security, the blue economy, and ocean health depend upon effective guardianship of the sea. Prof Tim Edmunds and colleagues have produced a toolkit for policymakers and practitioners involved in maritime security.
Read more.
|
|
|
|
Read more of our latest news and events.
|
|
|
