Speaking at the annual seminar of the Association for Public Excellence last week, Norman Rose, Director-General of the Business Services Association (BSA), focused on the importance of effective partnership between the public and private sectors. His presentation highlighted the crucial and on-going role of this relationship.

"A continuing improvement within Best Value will be best achieved by combining public and private sector expertise. The service ethos of the public sector, combined with the commercial disciplines of private sector contractors, will ensure that the quality service provision we all seek can be achieved," said Rose.

"Value for Money is not a way of getting more for less. It must be a robust assessment of Best Value over the whole life of the contract. Quality is crucial, both in the services offered and in the companies that provide them."

The BSA published its 'Comment to Quality' guide earlier this year, pledging Association members to the highest standards of service delivery, employment and client relations. Norman Rose explained: "Our aim is to build long-term relationships and effective partnerships through the provision of flexible and innovative services, delivering reliability and efficiency in support of our clients’ business. We look forward to continuing to work in partnership with our colleagues in the public sector to deliver the best in modern, high quality public services."

Anna Lagerkvist