Culture

A vivid account by a meritocratic polymath, Lord Levene’s memoirs leave Peter Hennessy pondering why peacetime Britain produces so few ‘fixers’ of his calibre

As the Smiths legend turns 60, Civil Service World looks back to Morrissey’s time on the government paybill

As she steps down from the Department for Digital, Culture Media and Sport, perm sec Dame Sue Owen talks to Suzannah Brecknell about abrasive behaviours, existential crises, and why she’s no longer planning a sybaritic retirement. Photography by Louise Heywood-Schiefer

Has the age of Twitter changed the Foreign Office – or just what we expect from documentaries? Sue Cameron considers the BBC’s recent exploration of the FCO

The biography examines 70 years of history between government and academia as well as the changing relationship between TV and politics

The former permanent secretary of the culture department chews the fat with Suzannah Brecknell

Department for Transport, Ministry of Justice, Cabinet Office and Department for Work and Pensions teams among those honoured at ceremony

Champions who make a difference to staff and service users saluted at Whitehall ceremony

Former cabinet secretary Lord Andrew Turnbull shares his reflections, and a lunch, with Suzannah Brecknell

Judges eject Sheffield based official Luke Thompson from the show following cake challenges

Sheffield based official one of 12 contestants in high-profile show

Sir Leigh Lewis has helped BBC drama recreate the life of a home secretary

Home Office asks for written comments on “main legislative, policy and operational decisions” that led to scandal

Chief people officer Rupert McNeil reveals figure alongside new mental health guide for managers

IfG explainer reveals more than 30% fall in number of civil servants in east of England, the east Midlands and the south east since 2010

First draft recommendation on public service leadership and capability published

Just four departments currently publish detailed information about parental leave and pay policy on their websites

Former MP for Grismby Austin Mitchell’s new book is one that future historians will have on their reading lists, writes Sue Cameron

DCMS-led document also signals departments will face greater requirement to demonstrate social-value aspects of contracts and grants

Department says no one will have to sign an NDA to access compensation, despite reports

Leaked document reveals top officials will conduct research into potential negative impact of DWP policy or operational practice

Former policy adviser at Department for Education says she would like to encourage more young people into politics and the civil service

In a new report the charity calls for a new profession, the “public entrepreneur”, with a skills passport to aid career development

Economic and Domestic Secretariat DG appointed second perm sec following departure of Wilkinson for national security role