According to an article in the Guardian by Tom Gash (Director of Research at the Institute for Government), whilst its right to ensure contracted partners behave ethically, the Government need to do more.

He argues that although the report by the Committee on Standards in Public Life asks for service providers to adopt the seven principles of public life, just adopting these standards won’t solve the problems in government outsourcing.

He states that “selflessness” might need reinterpreting for profit making companies to have compatibility with the private sector’s duty to generate return for shareholders, but in terms of integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership there shouldn’t be a problem.

However, he warns that more needs to be done to ensure outsourcing success. Tom calls for more transparency, argues that ethical standards are no replacement for competence and asks for clearer commitment from all ministers and the civil service leadership to take contracting more seriously.

Outsourcing to take a hit at the next general election