Operational Delivery

Officials outlined changes to rail franchising and told MPs trade unions refused to engage over Govia Thameslink franchise

Firm says bolstered transparency, a fair dealing ethos and more break-clauses should be introduced in wake of Carillion’s demise

Government insists agreed transition will have an end date, ahead of a Brexit war Cabinet meeting in Chequers 

Appointment means government’s biggest professional grouping will be one of only two headed up by a departmental perm sec

Department plans ‘modernisation’ of its work to collect more than £1bn owed to the government each year

Union says announcement of staffing milestone fails to acknowledge long-term headcount reductions

Inquiry by MPs found immigration and border system already understaffed, with problems likely to be compounded by uncertainty over Brexit

Report highlights the need for system to be in place before the UK leaves the European Union in May 2019

Civil Service Commission eyes relaxation of competition rules if they are “unlikely to secure suitable appointees”

The fall of construction firm turned outsourcing giant Carillion comes at a time when criticism of private provision of public services is rising. Richard Johnstone looks at Whitehall’s response and takes soundings for the future

Call for changes to insolvency rules to make it easier for companies to recover from financial difficulties

Tax agency will move 2,700 staff to second Scottish regional centre by 2021