Institute for Continuous Improvement in Public Services

The Institute for Continuous Improvement in Public Services (ICiPS) is a UK-based nonprofit organisation dedicated to promoting continuous improvement (CI) in public service delivery. Registered as a charity in England and Wales with the charity number 1159783, ICiPS operates primarily through educational activities, research, and the dissemination of best practices to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of public services[4][1].

History and Mission

Founded in 2012 by philanthropist Debbie Simpson, ICiPS was established as the official legacy body of an Efficiency and Reform Group program focused on embedding continuous improvement principles within public sector organisations. The institute’s mission is to develop a community of practitioners and leaders committed to continuous improvement, share knowledge across sectors, conduct research, and uphold standards of practice. ICiPS aims to elevate continuous improvement competencies to be recognised on par with other established professions[2][1].

Activities and Services

ICiPS works at two main levels:

• Strategic level: Engages senior leaders and organisations at the forefront of continuous improvement to explore and solve key challenges in public service delivery. It fosters peer-to-peer networks to support a vibrant community dedicated to CI within the UK public sector.

• Tactical level: Supports continuous improvement practitioners by providing professional support, resources, and upholding standards of practice. This includes offering recognitions for individuals and training courses that meet ICiPS standards, facilitating professional development[1][2].

The organisation also provides tools such as the ICiPS MAT Survey Tool, a free resource designed to help organisations seriously committed to continuous improvement assess and enhance their practices[1][2].

Governance and Membership

ICiPS is governed by a Board of Trustees and guided by a Customer Focus Group and operates largely through volunteer involvement. It has a diverse membership that includes guest, professional, corporate, and studying members from all sectors worldwide. The institute works closely with universities and industry specialists to support its objectives.

As of the latest financial reporting, ICiPS had three trustees and five volunteers. The charity reports no employees with benefits over £60,000 and no trustee remuneration or payments. It conducts its activities throughout England and Wales without owning or leasing land or property[4][2].

Financials

For the financial year ending 31 May 2024, ICiPS reported a total income of £16,828 against total expenditure of £10,096. The charity does not have any trading subsidiaries and is not recognised by HMRC for Gift Aid[4].

Ethos and Ambitions

ICiPS is driven by the desire to improve public services for the collective benefit and advocates for continuous improvement competencies to be professionally recognised. The organisation’s ambition is to be at the forefront of continuous improvement theory, serve as the primary knowledge exchange hub, and uphold high standards of practice in the field[2][1].

Note: Contact details and web addresses are omitted in accordance with the provided instructions.

[1] https://icips.org [2] https://icips.org/about-us [3] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5047056/contact-information [4] https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search/-/charity-details/5047056/full-print