How to Develop Problem Solving Skills in Public Sector Management
07 May, 20251-2 minutes
In this blog, you will learn:
- Examples of public sector problem solving.
- How to develop problem solving skills in public sector management.
- Where the latest interim jobs are and how to apply for them.
To effectively manage a team within the public sector, enhanced problem solving skills are of utmost importance. In a sector where regulatory frameworks, funding limitations and public needs can result in unforeseen challenges, the ability to navigate complex situations and maintain a high level of service is crucial.
Interim recruitment specialist, John Shorrock, says “Should the problem solving skills of public sector management waver, this could have a knock-on effect on public trust and the overall reputation of a local authority or public sector organisation.”
In our latest insights piece, we’re uncovering examples of public sector problem solving and exploring how to develop problem solving skills in public sector management.
Examples of public sector problem solving
Problem solving within the public sector can follow a number of avenues depending on the public service being provided. From education to healthcare to transportation, public sector managers must effectively problem solve to maintain a high standard of community care and resolve challenges before they cause risk to those who should be benefiting from a service.
Examples of public service problem solving include:
- Enhancing accessibility to public transport.
- Reforming public safety.
- Improving the education system.
- Maximising affordable housing.
- Overcoming sustainability obstacles.
- Improving healthcare services.
Enhancing accessibility to public transport
Should a local transport system be underfunded or in need of updates, this can create challenges for a local community who rely on accessible transport between local facilities. Not only does an outdated transport system create accessibility challenges, it may result in an increase in car dependency, making it more difficult for local authorities or public sector organisations to meet sustainability goals. Without sufficient transport links, local development projects may be delayed which means public sector managers must work to mitigate the knock on effects of inaccessible public transport.
To do so they may choose to conduct a thorough assessment of transportation needs in order to identify gaps and ensure that all communities have equal access to suitable transportation services.
Reforming public safety
For public services and local authorities to operate successfully, the public must be able to trust them and feel safe in the communities in which they live and work. Should public safety be compromised, this can severely damage trust.
A manager within the public sector may be challenged with resolving issues that have diminished public safety and rebuilding the trust the public have in local services. For example, a fear of crime increasing may cause public backlash towards the police and to overcome this, an increase in police presence may be witnessed throughout areas of disruption.
Improving the education system
Another example of problem solving within the public sector can occur if there are disparities between the education quality and outcomes of local communities. This problem may be especially prevalent in low-income areas and means that reforms which don’t take into consideration the differing needs of various communities can fail to meet their desired outcomes.
A manager within the public sector can work towards closing gaps by ensuring that their local authority is focusing on funding equity and the individual needs of their primary, SEN, secondary and alternative provision schools.
Maximising affordable housing
The lack of affordable housing is a challenge across many communities in the UK and in March 2025, the UK Government announced plans for a ‘£2 billion injection of new grant funding to deliver up to 18,000 new social and affordable homes.’
Housing projects that have not been effectively implemented risk having a negative effect on the rising number of homeless people and therefore public sector managers must problem solve effectively. A suggested way to do so includes working towards public-private sector partnerships to fund, build and create housing developments that are affordable for all.
Overcoming sustainability obstacles
As the UK government works towards its target to be net-zero by 2050, sustainable practice throughout all services in the public sector is more important than ever. For local authorities throughout the UK, balancing sustainability targets alongside meeting housing targets can cause problems.
To tackle sustainability obstacles head on and ensure that it remains a focus of all decision-making, managers are encouraged to collaborate with environmental experts in order to create an effective sustainability plan.
Improving healthcare services
Due to the demand for their services, NHS trusts across the UK often experience delays in patient care and processes that are not up to standard can result in long delays between patient appointments.
Public sector managers can work towards managing this challenge by completing an audit of processes in order to find gaps and identify areas for improvement. This is an effective way to improve services and funnel any available funding and resources towards creating better healthcare for all communities.
How to develop problem solving skills in public sector management
There are a number of advised methods for managers to successfully develop their problem solving skills across the public sector, including:
- Think innovatively.
- Maximise decision-making.
- Establish performance metrics.
- Encourage collaboration.
Think innovatively
Adopting an innovative mindset is important for success in the public sector where regulations and processes change frequently. Public sector managers should be willing to embrace new processes and technological advancements in order to get the best from their teams and overcome unexpected challenges.
Innovation is often key for optimising services, thinking outside the box and ensuring that the public receive a high standard of care, whether it be healthcare, education, housing or any other public service.
Maximise decision making
To develop problem solving skills, managers within the public sector must be confident in their decision-making whilst ensuring that the best interest of the public is upheld.
Utilising data and analytics is a recommended way to ensure that decisions are based on facts and cannot be in any way biased.
Basing decisions on solid evidence also means that should challenges arise, it will be easier for a public sector manager to problem solve effectively. Informed decision-making helps to highlight areas for improvement within a public service and identifying trends helps public sector managers stay ahead of the game.
Establish performance metrics
Performance metrics should be tracked to ensure that a team is on the right trajectory to meet deadlines and achieve desired outcomes. When a manager has an in depth insight into how their team is performing both individually and as a group, they are able to measure their impact and adjust strategies to fill any potential skill gaps.
This means they can effectively problem-solve and mitigate disruption to services should a team member have fallen behind or an issue arise that nobody is qualified to resolve. In this case, they may hire an interim professional to share their expertise.
Encourage collaboration
When teams work together and collaborate their skills and experience, better results can be achieved by all and managers have more time to dedicate to problem-solving.
Managers in the public sector are encouraged to collate expertise and foster an environment that promotes team collaboration.
Should a manager be unsure as to how to solve a problem, they may learn from another member of the team and use their findings to overcome similar future obstacles.
Interim jobs
If you’re searching for your next interim job, why not take a look at the latest vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.
Interim recruitment services
As interim recruitment specialists, we support local authorities nationwide with their temporary and interim recruitment needs.
We operate across a number of specialisms including Health & Social Care, Nursing, IT and Corporate Functions.
If you’re struggling to fill a vacancy, why not get in touch with Lead Consultant, John Shorrock on 01772 954200 to see how we can help?
Who is Spencer Clarke Group?
Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations.
In 2024, we were named Recruitment Agency of the Year at the prestigious Recruiter Awards, an accolade we are extremely proud of.
We operate in two sectors:
In eleven specialisms:
Healthcare, Social Care & Nursing
Corporate Functions & Business Support
Related Posts
When Are Interims Typically Used?
29 Apr, 2025
