Interesting and agree with most of this. But there are some simpler tweaks too. The policy civil service is far too big. Up 96% since 2016. Slash it back and the blizzard of submissions reduces too. The abolition of pay progression guarantees no build up of expertise. Bring it back. I agree ministerial cabinet/extended private offices with experienced political appointees could help as we recommend in the Getting a Grip of th System paper for Policy Exchange
I am big fan - as the above indicates - of having a smaller but more expert policy cadre. This does mean you'd need to rethink pay almost entirely, however.
Speaking as someone who has not been a civil servant but who has regularly interfaced with government decision making I wholeheartedly agree with this. The civil servants hated Brian Wilson when he was energy minister a long time ago (imo) because he was like a bull in a china shop. But he got stuff done. Ditto Ed Miliband with his previous short stint in 2010. The group think (or not as the case may be) is for the status quo not for innovation and the need to stimulate private sector investment in new areas (including governments role in the creation of new markets - which is quite different from the government “picking winners”). “Where is the evidence?” Is the mantra for procrastination even when the evidence exists aplenty. It needs a strong Minister to over come the inherent inertia (or perhaps better the structure you propose). Time, after all, is our most precious commodity!
Really insightful post Adam thank you. As an ex BEIS CS I agree with your assessment (especially prevalent when changes of leadership at ministerial and above take place).
Do you think Labour has the appetite for what would be notable reform in this (or another manner) and how do you see the CS respond to what will likely be seen as a consolidation and (in most cases) a reduction in their policy input which drives most career ambitions within the organisation?
Interesting and agree with most of this. But there are some simpler tweaks too. The policy civil service is far too big. Up 96% since 2016. Slash it back and the blizzard of submissions reduces too. The abolition of pay progression guarantees no build up of expertise. Bring it back. I agree ministerial cabinet/extended private offices with experienced political appointees could help as we recommend in the Getting a Grip of th System paper for Policy Exchange
I am big fan - as the above indicates - of having a smaller but more expert policy cadre. This does mean you'd need to rethink pay almost entirely, however.
Speaking as someone who has not been a civil servant but who has regularly interfaced with government decision making I wholeheartedly agree with this. The civil servants hated Brian Wilson when he was energy minister a long time ago (imo) because he was like a bull in a china shop. But he got stuff done. Ditto Ed Miliband with his previous short stint in 2010. The group think (or not as the case may be) is for the status quo not for innovation and the need to stimulate private sector investment in new areas (including governments role in the creation of new markets - which is quite different from the government “picking winners”). “Where is the evidence?” Is the mantra for procrastination even when the evidence exists aplenty. It needs a strong Minister to over come the inherent inertia (or perhaps better the structure you propose). Time, after all, is our most precious commodity!
Really insightful post Adam thank you. As an ex BEIS CS I agree with your assessment (especially prevalent when changes of leadership at ministerial and above take place).
Do you think Labour has the appetite for what would be notable reform in this (or another manner) and how do you see the CS respond to what will likely be seen as a consolidation and (in most cases) a reduction in their policy input which drives most career ambitions within the organisation?