Public service mistakes

My friend Ben has the attitude that people working in the public sector should avoid mistakes at all costs.  He varies on the punishment but the ones he suggests, with respect, seem grossly excessive.

With the greatest respect, I disagree. Obviously fraud, malice and recklessness deserve individual punishment beyond internal discipline. He complains also about general incompetence. In most cases, however, I see that as a management failure, justifying retraining or perhaps internal discipline such as warnings or even discipline but no more. Ben might have a point in cases such as the emergency services or the NHS where any actual damage can't be remedied.

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