I have never worked in the public sector - at least not as an employee.  I have done some consultancy work for local authorities and have done some interim work for arms length government bodies.  However, I have lots of experience of being on the receiving end of service delivery ie a user.

And as a service user I have been known to express frustration on many aspects of the service provided.  Recent frustrations include:

• being informed by thy GP's surgery that I have to go into the surgery in person to collect a paper form to fill out and then bring with me on the day of the appointment (electronic downloads and emails were not options)
• my local authority obscure communication eg the 'HWRC is closed' apparently translates, for those who don't speak council, as 'the tip is closed'
• trying to get a replacement bin after the bin-lorry ate our current one (eventually had to resort to writing to councillors)

As part of one of my MSc modules 'Management Beyond the Mainstream' I was introduced to a number of different models and theories which have made me re-evaluate my pre-conceptions - particularly about public sector organisations.  I now have an appreciation of the political influences on the strategy and plans within the public sector, how this is compounded by short terms of office for politicians and how this makes strategic planning and service delivery more challenging.  I have been introduced to the concept of 'public value' and the importance of continuing to deliver this whether or not it is an activity which covers its costs.

One of the learnings was to appreciate that stereotyping an entire sector is not valid.  So to conclude, in total praise of my local authority, who in spite of their obscure communication can produce such fabulous local public art with added historic context and education.