Policy

Civil Service Policy Profession to trial policy degree for future civil service leaders in a bid to professionalise government policy-making

Report by the Public Accounts Committee says HMRC too slow in identifying potential abuse of tax reliefs

Prime minister needs team who can speak 'frankly' on departments, Labour peer Lord Falconer says, but warns against 'divisive' approach to Whitehall

Department for Education announces members for commission on new ways to assess pupil ability

Institute for Government urges greater focus on collaboration and long-term planning

Public Administration Select Committee urges greater role for Cabinet Office in planning for the future and ending departmental duplication

Whitehall should be prepared to take responsibility for delivering programmes, says Troubled Families chief Louise Casey

Former chief whip defends impact of fixed-term parliaments in delivering legislative programme

US chief of staff says UK forces could be reduced to support role if Nato pledge is not met

First minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon says Scottish National party should be included in Whitehall pre-election talks

The civil service’s first chief executive has an ambitious agenda to define the next era of Whitehall reform – whatever those “damn politicians” might be planning. Jess Bowie meets him

Government should focus on working with mutuals and cooperatives rather than outsourcing to private firms, says Jon Cruddas