In December 2003 an amended consultant contract was introduced in the NHS in Wales with a number of intended benefits for both consultants and the wider NHS. Between 2004 and 2011 some £35m was spent implementing the new contract which sought to improve consultants' working environment, enhance recruitment and retention, and encourage co-operation between health managers and consultants to provide a better service for patients. Effective job planning for consultants was central to securing these benefits.

Forestry Commission Wales (FCW) has followed previous audit recommendations and developed clear and appropriate priorities. It has also improved its core processes such as procurement and managing grants and risks, and is now making good progress in meeting the expectations of its commercial timber customers. However, planning gaps in areas such as spatial, workforce and financial planning are hampering progress, according to a report published today by the Auditor General for Wales.