The previous government’s waste-reduction targets did not prove testing enough to stretch most departments. Joshua Chambers looks at their impact, and examines how cutting waste can also cut public expenditure.

One of David Cameron’s first acts as PM was to increase the pressure to shrink Whitehall’s carbon footprint. James Patterson says that a combination of common sense and modern technology can yield impressive results.

For years, the civil service has been urged to embrace innovation. Now shrinking budgets, the push for public sector reform and greater political appetite for risk are making this essential. Suzannah Brecknell reports.

As the Sustainable Development Commission loses its funding, its chair and chief executive look back with Joshua Chambers at how the government’s sustainability has improved – and at what remains to be done.

After 31 years as a public sector chief, Michael Bichard is stepping down as head of the Institute for Government. He tells Matt Ross that, even in a squeeze, the coalition must succeed where Blair failed – and reform public services.

The new ‘Vacancy Filling Scheme’ promises to radically open up the civil service jobs markets within each of the nine English regions. Ben Willis reports on an enlightened scheme launched at an unfortunate time.

An appearance before the public accounts committee need no longer fill officials with dread, says its new chair, Margaret Hodge. She tells Suzannah Brecknell that she wants a more constructive relationship with civil servants

This week’s interviewee is a probation officer with nearly 30 years’ experience – both in the field, and as a trainer

As central government spending falls, transport minister Norman Baker tells Joshua Chambers that if Whitehall gives local councils and businesses enough space and freedom, they’ll pick up the baton on green transport.

We’ve heard a lot recently about the ‘Big Society’ – but what does it mean for civil servants? Lord Wei, the government’s new adviser on the subject, tells Suzannah Brecknell that he wants to see a fundamental shift in the work of government.

With pressure on the use of ministerial cars, ministers are taking humbler forms of transport. But there are far bigger savings to be made by reforming civil service travel expenses. Suzannah Brecknell reports.

This week’s interviewee is a school business manager responsible for the financial and legal compliance aspects of an inner city school

Former cabinet secretary Lord Turnbull speaks to Joshua Chambers about the coalition government, political reform and the localism agenda. Now he has been freed from the duty to be impartial, his opinions are flowing

Wales is set to win greater powers to legislate if the Welsh people vote ‘yes’ in a forthcoming referendum, reports Ian Pickering

The Northern Ireland secretary has distanced himself from the immediate cuts to come, stressing to Joshua Chambers that rebalancing the economy will take 25 years.

One of only two departments with protected budgets, DfID is in a happy position – but international development secretary Andrew Mitchell will still bring reform, finds Ben Willis.

As the Olympics looms, DCMS will play a growing role on the Whitehall stage. Ian Pickering examines the department’s priorities

Having sketched out the Tories’ planned cuts in opposition, Philip Hammond must now implement some of them in his new ministerial post. Colin Marrs reports

Michael Gove’s flagship reform of the school system is well under way, but questions have been raised over the pace of change and the funding to back up long-standing policy pledges. Suzannah Brecknell reports.

Cabinet veteran Ken Clarke has arrived at the MoJ with ambitious plans for reform. Ben Willis sets out an agenda that aims to cut both reoffending and public expenditure.

Since the formation of the coalition, the work of the department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) has been almost exclusively focused on cuts and devolution. And there’s been just one deadline: as soon as possible. Non-departmental bodies have been among the first casualties, as the department initiates a seismic shift in the way that public services are delivered.

Big changes are afoot in the NHS, and a refocused Department of Health will follow. Suzannah Brecknell reports.

Defra will rely on joint working to achieve many of its aims, reports Suzannah Brecknell, and secretary of state Caroline Spelman is keen that its expertise is shared as widely as possible.

The department has a wide remit and an ambitious ministerial team, but Joshua Chambers finds that it also has a shrinking budget and tough choices to make.