Articles & Reports

My savings are greater than yours

Publication: Municipal Journal

29 April 2010

The clash of the two 'efficiency czars' in the press has made for fascinating reading over the past weeks. However for the savings being proposed to be realised, it requires a significant cultural shift away from this silo-mentality, writes Rod Aldridge.

Dance Summit Report

17 March 2010

In February 2010, on behalf of the Dance Champions Group, the Foundation delivered the Dance Champions Dance Summit. The Dance Champions, chaired by Rod Aldridge, were looking to develop key recommendations for overcoming barriers to participation in dance for those aged 16 and above.

The changing face of teaching

Publication: Municipal Journal

21 January 2010

With 70% of enquiries about becoming a teacher now coming from professionals considering a change in career, teaching is potentially facing a big change. While switching careers and sharing knowledge is too be encouraged, just how committed are these new recuits Rod Aldridge asks.

Opening Eyes - from the North West to New York

16 December 2009

In October 2009, 19 sixth formers from Darwen Aldridge Community Academy (DACA), in Lancashire, embarked on a unique school visit to New York City. These students were participants in the Academy’s first international trip as part of the new Opening Eyes programme, which give students the opportunity to travel abroad and broaden their horizons. Many of them had never travelled abroad before. Some didn’t even have passports before the visit.

It all adds up... or does it?

Publication: Municipal Journal

18 November 2009

The Aldridge Foundation recently did some work with MyBnk to examine the nature of young people’s relationship with money. This highlighted a number of issues, one of the most powerful being the impact financial knowledge had on the participant’s educational choices, a clear indication to Rod Aldridge of the importance of numeracy and literacy skills.

A lesson from the Bronx

Publication: Municipal Journal

15 October 2009

Rod Aldridge recently visited two schools in the Bronx in New York. Both are in very challenging communities where crime, drugs and unemployment are prevalent. But both are out performing other local schools.

Tackling youth unemployment

Publication: Municipal Journal

10 September 2009

Many will remember the summer of 2009 as the time when the English cricket team regained the Ashes from the Australians. For Rod Aldridge, it will go down as the time when youth unemployment rose to just short of one million – not something to celebrate.

Aldridge Foundation Prospectus

21 July 2009

An snapshot of the Foundation's achievements over the last three years, and goals for the months to come.

CE+CI+CS+VC x C = PC

Publication: Municipal Journal

26 June 2009

Too many services delivered by public bodies are no longer in touch with the needs of the real customers they are designed to serve, believes Rod Aldridge.

Putting savings in place

Publication: Municipal Journal

11 June 2009

When it comes to efficiency, the emphasis on place is long overdue, Rod Aldridge claims.

A new culture of thrift

Publication: Municipal Journal

21 May 2009

Thrift is fast becoming the buzz word of 2009, but argues Rod Aldridge, thrift alone is not going to save the public sector.

How ever did we get here?

Publication: Municipal Journal

16 April 2009

The statistics surrounding the prison population are disturbing, and just one indicator of a need for a new approach to public services, says Rod Aldridge.

Centre cannot hold

Publication: Public Finance

9 January 2009

The one part of the public sector that has resisted outsourcing is central government. Would-be suppliers need to take a different approach to change this, says Rod Aldridge

The time has come to be uncharitable

Publication: The Municipal Journal

12 December 2008

The sector has reached a watershed and needs to change dramatically if it is to achieve its potential. It could be that the current financial pressure will prove to be the catalyst for such a change.

Preventing the causes of crime

Publication: Local Government Chronicle

19 June 2008

The current problems in the criminal justice system are well-rehearsed. Within two years of release, almost two-thirds of former prisoners re-offend. This rises to three-quarters among young offenders. The cost to the taxpayer is an estimated £11bn each

Heathrow Terminal 5 – a lesson in delivery

Publication: Municipal Journal

24 April 2008

Built to budget and completed on time, Terminal 5 at London’s Heathrow Airport has been described as one of the most breathtaking man-made spaces in modern Britain. Its opening should, therefore, have been a triumph. But, instead, it will be remembered

Give users a voice in policy

Publication: Municipal Journal

21 January 2008

It is fascinating to watch the growing emphasis placed on the best way to empower the user voice in the delivery of public services. This has included recent speeches from both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition on how to make the NHS mor

Making the most of consultants

Publication: Public Eye

1 September 2007

Rod Aldridge questions whether it is time for the public sector to question the increasing role played by consultants.

Procurement: Reality and openness all round is what is needed now

Publication: Municipal Journal

10 May 2007

The recent report for the Improvement and Development Agency, The Future Shape of Local Authorities' Workforces, based on interviews with chief executives, recognises the reality of job reductions in local government.

Shared services - fine in principle but will it happen in reality?

Publication: Municipal Journal

18 January 2007

The case for shared services has long been argued and documented in numerous government reports. However, on the ground little progress has been achieved.

The Third Sector: Why the courting must get serious

Publication: Municipal Journal

The Government and opposition parties have recently gone to great lengths to court the third sector.