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More than 80% of public bodies believe their skills shortages would best be filled by private sector staff. A survey of senior staff by recruitment firm Hays has indicated widespread appetite across Whitehall, and other public bodies, for skills found predominantly in the private sphere. Almost half of staff surveyed across central and local government, the NHS, education, housing, charities and not-for-profit organisations said there were ‘widespread skill shortages' in their sector, which ‘need to be addressed, in order for quality services to be delivered'. But the survey revealed public employers wanted to fill key posts by recruiting expertise from the private sphere, rather than recruit or promote from within. More than half of respondents (54%) identified shortages of skilled managers across public bodies. The most valuable attributes private sector candidates could bring to the public sphere were deemed to be commercial expertise – 61% of respondents cited this – and creativity (17%). Unsurprisingly, during the recession, public sector employers also confirmed a hike in applications for vacant posts, as the UK workforce sought solace in what it regarded as a ‘safer' employment environment. Andy Robling, director at Hays public services division, urged public bodies to take advantage of the boom in interest from employers which have traditionally sought high-profile jobs in the private sector. ‘Many public sector organisations are undergoing a period of change, and commercial expertise is highly valued to manage this process and drive efficiencies. ‘Employers need to make sure they are tapping into this pool of talent – job-seekers with a commercial background have never been more available or more willing to make the move.' A senior Whitehall manager told The MJ: ‘To many people, it won't be surprising to read that research by a recruitment firm has concluded that central government ought to look further afield when recruiting. ‘But, there is a genuine appetite across central government, particularly, for private sector experience when recruiting the next generation of public services managers.'

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WHITEHALL

Most public bodies favour private sector skilled staff

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