Public Governance Code for Chief Executive Excellence

Agenda The public sector in Denmark The starting point The Code The process Lessons The future

Distribution of public sector functions today Local authorities 45% The State 28% Counties (regions) 27%

Outline of the Danish structural reform The number of local authorities will be reduced from 271 to 98 – 13 counties will be reduced to 5 regions Local authorities and the state will take over tasks from counties Regions will not have the right to levy taxes Fragile majority in Parliament behind reform

Future distribution of public sector functions Local authorities 49% The State 32% Regions 19%

Forum for Top Executive Management Our starting point Good leadership makes a difference Huge current and future challenges Public governance is different from corporate governance But how … !?

Ambitions of the Forum To provide a framework for a debate on top executive leadership. To create a common understanding of the challenges, the functions, and the roles of top executives. And thus … To develop a code for Public Governance – a holistic set of recommendations that would apply to the most important tasks of chief executives.

Fundamental traits - emerging challenges Tandem management Complex bottom line Openness and transparency Emerging challenges An expanded management universe Openness is not enough Multiple competing management principles

Self-evaluation method 3 phases The full code – a first sounding My chief executive role and management style My chief executive role in the future

The Forum Process Opening Conference – Sept. 2003 Three Theme Panels Three Research Teams Three E-surveys Workshop Conference – Feb. 2004 Midpoint Conference – Aug 2004 Code Seminars Camp Code (I & II) International Seminars Conference – May 2005

Forum for Top Executive Management Lessons Common need to discuss conditions and challenges among chief executives Chief executives across the public sector have a lot in common – fruitful to work cross sector Fruitful cooperation between chief executives and academics Challenge to keep the focus on the chief executive as an individual

The next milestones Proceed from a development phase to an action phase Three approaches: A cross sector approach An organisational approach An individual approach The presentation of the code took place on May 10th this year. The Danish Prime Minister among the speakers. The expectations are high – it stresses the necessity of our commitment. The next milestone will be to make sure that the code has an effect and that it makes a difference in every day leadership. Three approaches: (Cross sector): The Forum board will continue for another year to support the chief executives in keeping focus on their challenges, roles, tasks and competences. Ministry of Finance, Danish Regions and Local Government Denmark will support the implementation of the code at there respective government levels. (Organisational): Debate and implementation in each public organisation / continual development of leadership skills and performance (Individual / each top executive): How do I keep my focus on the Code – how do I keep myself committed – what are my weak and strong aspects of my leadership The Forum Board The Board will continue for another year to support and stimulate the process.

Code implementation Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4

Board Secretariat Research team Research team Research team Panel Panel panel

www.publicgovernance.dk