Yes folks the UK’s 2015 General Election is just over nine months away!
(No! Don’t all switch channels now! The next bit’s really interesting!)
What reminded me of this was the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development’s CIPD manifesto for work: A policy programme to champion better work and better working lives On the one hand not the snappiest of titles; on the other hand a convincing and effective piece of advocacy. And it is advocacy about an important issue: how to make Britain’s labour force more efficient and therefore the economy more productive.
Other organisations would be wise to follow CIPD’s model. Here are five good things about CIPD’s approach.
- They know what they’re talking about The manifesto is built round the profound expertise and deep insight of their subject specialists. It is factual not frothy. It is authoritative not emotional.
- Implicitly it recognises that governing is difficult The manifesto is addressed to the political parties, particularly to the people who will be in power 2015-2020. It recognises work is only one of a myriad of issues the Government will have to manage. It explains the benefits that will come from giving work a place high on the agenda.
- It recognises the current government has got some things right (e.g. “In the CIPD’s view the current employment rights framework and flexible labour market is working well and does not need to be tampered with.”)
- …but in a way that does not diss the parties currently in opposition So it is even-handed as well as level-headed.
- There is no money or as Liam Byrne, Labour’s last Chief Secretary to the Treasury said to his successor: “Dear Chief Secretary, I’m afraid there is no money. Kind regards – and good luck! Liam”
The last point is one in particular that manifesto issuers would do to heed. Given the state of the public finances demanding extra spending makes as much sense as trekking to the South Pole in a bikini.
So everyone out in campaigning and advocacy land follow the CIPD’s model for your election manifestos.
You know it makes sense.