The implementation of the
Executive's relocation policy has been "flawed and inconsistent"
according to the MSPs on Holyrood's Audit Committee.
In a report published today,
MSPs highlighted weaknesses in the Executive's decision-making
processes and said that the policy was not delivering a 'true
dispersal" of jobs throughout Scotland.
The relocation of Scottish
Natural Heritage to Inverness drew criticism, with committee members
saying that the evidence did not support the argument that the policy
objectives were best achieved by relocating to Inverness and the
relocation did not provide value for money.
Convener Brian Monteith said
that the general principles of the Executive's relocation policy had
attracted widespread support, but that concerns had emerged over the
way in which it had been put into practice.
"The methodology used by the
Executive to determine the destinations for relocating organisations
has proved a blunt instrument which has failed to deliver a true
dispersal of jobs throughout Scotland."
"Many relocation reviews have
dragged on for an unacceptable length of time, causing distress and
uncertainty for the employees and making it difficult for organisations
to plan ahead."
As part of its recommendations,
the Committee concluded that the Executive must define the objectives
of the policy more clearly, develop a more sensitive and strategic
method of identifying organisations for review and ensure that the
policy is thoroughly evaluated.
MSPs also said that the process
had to be more consistent, transparent and rapid and that the Executive
had to ensure that a true pattern of dispersal was achieved.
The Executive's policy for the
location and relocation of public sector organisations was adopted in
1999. Since then, 38 organisations have been reviewed, involving
almost 4,000 public sector posts. Of these, 2,432 posts have been moved
out of Edinburgh.
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