Workplan Foreword by the Permanent Secretary - Michael Bichard:-

"Since the Government took up office we have worked with Ministers and external partners to develop a strategic framework for DfEE to 2002. "Learning and Working Together for the Future" was published in 1998, setting out our long term Aim and Objectives, targets and the policies which contribute towards their achievement. In parallel, the Comprehensive Spending Review resulted in a crucial funding framework and the publication of our Public Service Agreement (PSA) with the Prime Minister, containing our key policy targets. Both these documents reflect the new National Learning Targets launched in October 1998.

Our workplan sets out how we will be making progress towards the achievement of our Objectives, PSA Targets, National Learning Targets and our Management Challenges for 1999-2000. It is not an exhaustive description of the Department’s work, and there are a wide range of other policies, tasks and support functions that make a vital contribution.

Directorates have identified their priorities for the year in their own Workplans, and I shall be meeting with Directorate Heads and their management teams every six months to review progress. The planning process within each Directorate includes Divisional Plans covering policy, operational and management priorities, and peoples’ Forward Job and Development Plans form a vital part of this process.

The past year has been a challenging one for all of us in the Department and I have been greatly impressed by the commitment and dedication of all the Department’s people. I was particularly pleased that the Department achieved the Investors in People Standard and would like to thank everyone for their support. There will be more challenges for us this year but I am confident that, with your continued help and commitment, we will continue to make substantial progress."

The full text of the workplan is available at