Civil service reform and accountability
Our recommendations for how the civil service can be improved, including on the accountability between the civil service, ministers and parliament.
Reform of the centre of government
Power with purpose: Final report of the Commission on the Centre of Government
Why the centre of government has failed successive prime ministers – and seven recommendations for radical reform.
Treasury ‘orthodoxy’
The Treasury wields too much influence across government and dominates strategic thinking at the centre.
Civil service recruitment
Opening up: how to strengthen the civil service through external recruitment
The civil service’s ability to deliver ministers’ priorities is being hurt by its failure to attract and properly use the skills of external recruits.
Appointed on merit: the value of an impartial civil service
Impartiality is of most value to UK government. But there is no legitimacy for an impartial civil service other than its effectiveness.
The Sue Gray ACOBA saga must lead to better rules around government exits
Lessons need to be learned after the saga over Sue Gray's move to become Keir Starmer's chief of staff.
Civil service accountability
A new statutory role for the civil service
The civil service needs a new statutory role to reflect its permanence, purpose, values and how it should be run and held to account.
Strained Whitehall relationships need a long-term fix
Another warning over poor relations between ministers and civil servants highlights the need for a change of approach.
Fixing Whitehall: Is the Maude review the right plan for government reform?
The Rt Hon Lord Maude joined the IfG's Alex Thomas for an in conversation event.
20 ways to improve the civil service
Radical improvements to Whitehall are needed if Keir Starmer’s government is to deliver its priorities.
Read the report
Turnover in the civil service
Moving on: The cost of high staff turnover in the civil service
Staff turnover is weakening the civil service
Latest analysis
Policy making in the era of artificial intelligence
Technology is changing and so should the civil service.
20 ways to improve the civil service
Radical improvements to Whitehall are needed if Keir Starmer’s government is to deliver its priorities.
Appointed on merit: the value of an impartial civil service
Impartiality is of most value to UK government. But there is no legitimacy for an impartial civil service other than its effectiveness.
Read the report