Continuous improvement

This subtopic provides an overview of continuous improvement (CI) methodologies and tools, and covers the following areas:

•
what is CI
•
a five-step improving efficiency framework:
1. ◦
  step 1—identify and define the problem
2. ◦
  step 2—measure the problem
3. ◦
  step 3—analyse what’s causing the problem
4. ◦
  step 4—improve the process
5. ◦
  step 5—making changes across the department
•
managing change

What is CI?

The definition of CI is often overcomplicated and buried in jargon, but it means exactly what it says: continually looking for ways to improve processes, methods and procedures to remove blockages, make them as efficient as possible, and therefore, save time and money.

Improvements do not have to be major changes; a number of small but effective changes soon add up.

CI tools and methods can help fix processes that are no longer effective, and allow a review of processes that currently appear to be working but could still be improved to deliver greater efficiencies and cost savings. In organisations where staffing levels have been cut, CI can also help identify how to perform the same tasks

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Latest Local Government News

Supreme Court dismisses appeal upholding care order procedures (The Father v Worcestershire County Council)

On 29 January 2025, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in The Father v Worcestershire County Council, dismissing the father's appeal against the care order placing his children in foster care. The father had sought a writ of habeas corpus, arguing that the care order was made without jurisdiction and that his children were unlawfully detained. The Court of Appeal had previously dismissed his application, stating that the correct process was to challenge the care order through the procedures outlined in the Children Act 1989 (ChA 1989) and the Family Procedure Rules, rather than through habeas corpus. The Supreme Court agreed, emphasising that the children were not detained but living in a domestic setting typical for their age. The judgment underscores the importance of following established legal procedures for challenging care orders, and highlights the limited scope of habeas corpus in such family law matters. Mark Blundell, Barrister at 1 Garden Court, comments on the judgment.

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