Review of the effectiveness of communication in relation to the implementation of the Review of Public Administration (RPA)

In early 2008, the Public Service Commission (PSC) and the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister funded an independent research organisation (Social Market Research) “to assess how RPA implementation has been perceived by staff [within the health and social care sector], to examine levels of communication about the RPA and to assess staff’s understanding of the PSC and their guiding principles”.  

The research involved gathering information on the perceptions of staff via a survey in March and a series of focus groups which took place between mid-April to July.

The research has now been completed. An Executive Summary (PDF-383KB) accompanies the full report (PDF-852KB) and appendices (PDF-923KB). It is important to appreciate when reading the report that the review centred on the perceptions of staff and their experience of the change process as distinct from a critique of the actual processes of change.  

The PSC are confident that the “Lessons Learned” and  ‘Key Points for Consideration’ will be of considerable value in informing those organisations that are yet to complete or embark on the rollout of RPA in order that they might learn from the experiences of others.

The implications of the report will be further considered by both the PSC and the RPA Central Joint Forum which comprises representatives from government and Trade Unions.