The ICO is currently examining its workforce strategy to encompass the Right to Request a Social Enterprise and the drive to provide a more holistic service encompassing: prevention; treatment; and rehabilitation. Its focus will be on promoting and achieving positive behaviour and lifestyle change amongst its client group and developing the skills and competencies of its workforce to achieve this challenging agenda.

The strategy to achieve this will include:

• the development of mutually beneficial relationships with key partners such as Third Sector (Turning Point, CRi etc.), government, regulatory and advisory (SHA, DH, Job Centre, Local Authority, Probation Service, Social Enterprise Unit, etc.), pharmaceutical industry, academic establishments etc.
• ensuring that the final workforce model and its objectives reflect multi-agency priorities
• examination and audit of workforce skills and competencies and development where necessary for future service delivery which will include leadership and management, entrepreneurial skills, the development of various techniques including access to psycho-social interventions and associated therapies .
• evaluation and measurement against specific outcome measures and business and corporate objectives through proven methodologies such as Balanced Scorecard
• use of technical solutions to reach client groups and receipt of feedback
• examination of performance management techniques and methodologies to continually improve services

John Short is co-ordinating the development of the workforce strategy and will consult widely in this quest. John has a professional HR background across the public sector including the NHS and has recent experience in TUPE transfers involving NHS businesses.