Curiosity, problem-solving and misconceptions: Policy profession co-heads Susan Acland-Hood and Gareth Davies set out their vision
12 Jan Policy

Curiosity, problem-solving and misconceptions: Policy profession co-heads Susan Acland-Hood and Gareth Davies set out their vision

Susan Acland-Hood and Gareth Davies have been hard at work since being named co-heads of the policy profession last summer. They talk about their plans to develop the profession, embracing generalism, and why it’s important to ask the right questions
by Beckie Smith
Capita hit with penalties over Civil Service Pension Scheme woes
10 Feb Policy
Capita hit with penalties over Civil Service Pension Scheme woes
The rise of rapid policymaking demands a shift in capability, culture and leadership
10 Feb Policy
The rise of rapid policymaking demands a shift in capability, culture and leadership
Good financial management is key to delivery – NAO boss
10 Feb Policy
Good financial management is key to delivery – NAO boss
Treasury unveils streamlined Green Book guidance
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Treasury unveils streamlined Green Book guidance
Updated appraisal bible is 40% shorter than previous edition and geared to support place-based budgeting
The funding illusion: Why money alone won't build public sector capability
04 Feb Policy
The funding illusion: Why money alone won't build public sector capability
Governments across developed economies face the same dynamic: ambitious funding commitments that outrun the capacity to deliver
Treasury launches new crackdown on ‘public service inefficiencies and waste’
20 Jan Policy
Treasury launches new crackdown on ‘public service inefficiencies and waste’
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HMRC reinstates 17,000 frozen child benefit cases after checks error
20 Jan Policy
HMRC reinstates 17,000 frozen child benefit cases after checks error
Perm sec also tells MPs that the cost of a major PAYE phishing scam has risen to £57m
Military chief sounds alarm over £28bn MoD ‘black hole’
09 Jan Policy
Military chief sounds alarm over £28bn MoD ‘black hole’
Report says PM has been warned current plans to increase defence spending will not be enough
Read the winter 2026 issue of Civil Service World
19 Dec 2025 Policy
Read the winter 2026 issue of Civil Service World
This issue brings a special focus on the clean energy superpower mission, plus interviews with four perm secs and the creator of Yes, Minister
Unions slam Reform UK plans to oust perm secs and cut 68,500 jobs
15 Dec 2025 Policy
Unions slam Reform UK plans to oust perm secs and cut 68,500 jobs
Party announces more details of civil service reform policies including weakening pensions in favour of higher bonuses, increasing office working and big cuts to policy profession
Civil Service Awards 2025 winners announced
10 Dec 2025 Policy
Civil Service Awards 2025 winners announced
See the full list of winners at the 20th anniversary special ceremony
Jonathan Slater: Central government needs to stop telling teachers how to do their jobs
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Jonathan Slater: Central government needs to stop telling teachers how to do their jobs
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EHRC reminds departments of equality duties
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EHRC reminds departments of equality duties
Equality law regulator notifies departments of their legal obligations after taking enforcement action against Welsh Government
DWP hires former health secretary to probe NEETs ‘crisis’
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DWP hires former health secretary to probe NEETs ‘crisis’
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Think tank floats plans for standalone Department for the Prime Minister
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Think tank floats plans for standalone Department for the Prime Minister
Former deputy cabinet secretary Helen MacNamara led work on the proposals