Leadership

Microsoft reviews some of the big trends that will define government transformation in 2016

"Contingent Labour One" will be replaced with a "Temporary Worker Contracting Vehicle", as CCS places heavy focus on digital skills and hints at smaller lots

Microsoft explores how smarter working can help the government embrace a more flexible approach to governing

Microsoft examines the complex path to Government as a Platform

HMRC's Jim Harra says critics of deal with Google are misunderstanding corporation tax rules – but Labour's John McDonnell renews attack on "very poor deal"

Nick Hardwick – who clashed with the MoJ over spending controls – is to become chair of the Parole Board

Public appointments watchdog Acoba approves former Defra perm sec's appointment to board of the Office for Nuclear Regulation

Majority of departments will be asked to create new apprenticeships equivalent to 2.3% of their overall staffing levels, BIS confirms

Bankers Fields Wicker-Miurin and Neil Mendoza set to join department

At the Department for Communities and Local Government, Melanie Dawes is busy encouraging civil servants to give up their powers over local public services. She opens up to Suzannah Brecknell about stepping back, asking big questions, and the importance of taking all your holidays

 UK Statistics Authority "deeply concerned" about "unauthorised, widespread sharing of statistics before their publication"

Most officials will be aware of cases where “perverse incentives” hamper better service delivery. Joshua Chambers takes a global view of how corporate cannibalism and bare-faced theft can be a recipe for success

Regulator Ofgem’s energy markets inquiry lead Rachel Fletcher appointed for seven-year term

 Head of the Government Property Unit challenges departments to test themselves against newly-launched smart working code of practice

Former diplomat named as successor to Charles Farr at Home Office section

Home Office named "Star Performer" for treatment of LGBT staff – and will now offer advice to other organisations

Four years on from a major overhaul of Whitehall’s learning and development programme, Civil Service Learning is embarking on another big shake-up. Matt Foster sits down with CSL director Hilary Spencer to discuss what “phase two” will mean for officials

Chief executive of the Infrastructure and Projects Watchdog seeks to reassure MPs after merger with Treasury unit – and John Manzoni says new organisation will have more "teeth"

As Lords Committee looks into whether Scotland needs a separate civil service, former Cabinet secretary Lord O'Donnell says London house prices "seriously damage mobility" between Whitehall and the rest of the UK

Coalition justice minister Lord McNally warns FoI review panel is a "rigged jury" – while Lib Dem chief whip Tom Brake attacks Jeremy Heywood and Gus O'Donnell

A new workforce strategy and using data to “more closely align departments” are among the priorities for Whitehall's incoming HR chief

DfE's Wormald to take on top job at the Department of Health from April

MPs warn Whitehall to up its game on delivering trans equality for staff and citizens

It’s right that the current crop of successful, committed public servants have been recognised by the honours system. But with senior officials’ pay and reward packages decreasing while the political risk associated with their roles shoots up, will the government be able to attract equally talented successors?