‘Unwritten rules’ are impeding a diverse civil service. Here's how managers can help
17 Apr HR

‘Unwritten rules’ are impeding a diverse civil service. Here's how managers can help

Civil service recruitment is notoriously off-putting for those without connections or "insider knowledge". So what can be done about the problem?
by Nathan White
'The unrivalled highlight of my career to date': Departing MoJ perm sec Antonia Romeo looks back
10 Apr Justice & Home Affairs
'The unrivalled highlight of my career to date': Departing MoJ perm sec Antonia Romeo looks back
Why is it so hard to sell an idea to government (even one that could make millions for the public purse)?
04 Apr Commercial
Why is it so hard to sell an idea to government (even one that could make millions for the public purse)?
As the Freedom of Information Act turns 20, can it outwit the delete button?
03 Apr Communications
As the Freedom of Information Act turns 20, can it outwit the delete button?
The transformative potential that Microsoft Copilot 365 can bring to public sector Partner Content
28 Mar Digital, Data & Technology
The transformative potential that Microsoft Copilot 365 can bring to public sector
AI could save the public sector £17bn by 2035 - but only if we use it right1. Toby Barnard, Managing Director, UK Public Sector, at QA discusses how investing in AI adoption and training now will prepare public sector organisations for sustained success in the digital future
When something goes wrong, it is often the case that 'someone knew'
26 Mar Civil Service Reform
When something goes wrong, it is often the case that 'someone knew'
Leaders must have confidence to take action when issues are raised
'Yes, Minister?' More like 'I don't know, Minister!'
25 Mar Civil Service Reform
'Yes, Minister?' More like 'I don't know, Minister!'
Experience suggests arbitrary efficiency targets will drive entirely the wrong outcomes
Collaboration: The secret to success Partner Content
24 Mar Leadership
Collaboration: The secret to success
Successful public infrastructure projects rely on strong collaboration. Mike Reade of Balfour Beatty explores how structured frameworks, early contractor involvement and cross-sector partnerships drive efficiency, innovation, and long-term value for government and communities
ALBs and government shared services: The cost of inaction for future success Partner Content
20 Mar Digital, Data & Technology
ALBs and government shared services: The cost of inaction for future success
Civiteq’s Central Government shared service experts, Terri Williams and Helena Sedgwick, on why ALBs should take heed of the government shared services strategy, recognising potential failures and avoiding them to achieve a successful transition
From the editor: Civil servants need to know their primary duty
19 Mar Civil Service Reform
From the editor: Civil servants need to know their primary duty
Civil servants need clarity to navigate ethical choices
Innovation isn't quite dead – but it needs a good jolt from the defibrillator
18 Mar Civil Service Reform
Innovation isn't quite dead – but it needs a good jolt from the defibrillator
Innovation within public services isn’t just desirable, it’s vital, argues Tony Mears
Innovation in government: An opportunity to learn Partner Content
18 Mar Operational Delivery
Innovation in government: An opportunity to learn
Innovation is more than just ‘doing’… it is about ‘being’, says Dr Tom Parkman, head of experience at Serco’s advisory business, +impact
What are the risks and rewards of the planned duty of candour for public servants?
17 Mar Civil Service Reform
What are the risks and rewards of the planned duty of candour for public servants?
Protect’s Elizabeth Gardiner on how ministers can ensure the planned duty of candour for public servants will be effective
Building confidence in digital and AI transformation for the public sector Partner Content
17 Mar Digital, Data & Technology
Building confidence in digital and AI transformation for the public sector
The UK public sector must overcome barriers to digital and AI transformation. Adam Brocklesby, partner and expert in government and public sector at Baringa, argues that success hinges on three key dimensions
Start small, think big: How smart technology can improve efficiency in prisons Partner Content
17 Mar Justice & Home Affairs
Start small, think big: How smart technology can improve efficiency in prisons
Garth Chivell, Head of Asset Management at Serco, on how the company is using Computer-Aided Facilities Management (CAFM) to increase efficiency and capacity across its prisons – positively impacting prisoner welfare, behaviour and rehabilitation too
The last thing anyone in a crisis needs is to lose precious hours to admin – government's digital upgrade can change that
12 Mar Digital, Data & Technology
The last thing anyone in a crisis needs is to lose precious hours to admin – government's digital upgrade can change that
A comprehensive overhaul of how government does digital creates an opportunity to give citizens back their time, at the times of their greatest need
To manage innovation, governments must fix procurement 
11 Mar Commercial
To manage innovation, governments must fix procurement 
Procurement systems should be like good software: fluid, flexible, and constantly evolving. Realising this transformation requires more than changing rules
Illicit trade: On the rise across the UK Partner Content
11 Mar Health & Social Care
Illicit trade: On the rise across the UK
Catherine Goger, Illicit Trade Prevention Manager at Philip Morris Limited, discusses the worsening illicit tobacco trade in the UK
Smart Local Energy Systems: A blueprint for the UK’s energy future Partner Content
11 Mar Energy & Environment
Smart Local Energy Systems: A blueprint for the UK’s energy future
The drive to achieve net zero by 2050 is prompting a shift in the UK’s energy landscape, moving away from fossil fuels towards decarbonised energy generation, widespread electrification and energy efficiency. David Aird, Amey’s Net Zero and Energy Solutions Director, explains the challenge
We need to talk about WFH: The current policy isn't working and only serious dialogue will fix it
10 Mar Civil Service Reform
We need to talk about WFH: The current policy isn't working and only serious dialogue will fix it
There is a disconnect between the stated objectives of the 60% mandate and the reality
'Public sector leaders can be deeply risk averse': What I learnt about driving innovation
06 Mar Civil Service Reform
'Public sector leaders can be deeply risk averse': What I learnt about driving innovation
Tips on understanding and tackling the barriers to new ways of working
We need a step change in how we leverage the UK's research strength
06 Mar Science & Engineering
We need a step change in how we leverage the UK's research strength
Dame Ottoline Leyser reflects on five years as chief executive of UK Research and Innovation
An Elon Musk-style public sector clear-out would be a disaster for the UK
05 Mar HR
An Elon Musk-style public sector clear-out would be a disaster for the UK
Starmer should ignore calls for a UK version of the Department of Government Efficiency – it's likely to end badly for the US
Inadequate oversight of public bodies has resulted in headline-worthy failures of delivery
04 Mar
Inadequate oversight of public bodies has resulted in headline-worthy failures of delivery
Public bodies are consistently overlooked when governments try to reform the state
The latest aid row raises a fundamental challenge for civil servants
04 Mar Foreign Affairs
The latest aid row raises a fundamental challenge for civil servants
Civil servants must be able to separate differences of opinion from ethical challenges
Smart defence: Empowered with AI Partner Content
27 Feb Security & Defence
Smart defence: Empowered with AI
The Ministry of Defence is reassessing its readiness in light of evolving global threats. While AI could revolutionise logistics and decision-making, issues of trust, governance, and culture persist. CSW speaks to IBM defence leaders to explore what it will take to move AI from theory to action
A better inquiries system is needed to deliver lasting change
27 Feb Civil Service Reform
A better inquiries system is needed to deliver lasting change
People are looking for truth and accountability; but a form of lasting change is equally, if not more, important
'There’s a mix of optimism and trepidation’: How the public – and public sector leaders – think Britain can get its mojo back
26 Feb Leadership
'There’s a mix of optimism and trepidation’: How the public – and public sector leaders – think Britain can get its mojo back
State of the state report authors find "a public hopeful that the new government can deliver change, and leaders energised by the promise of a mission-led approach"