Reimagining Whitehall: a future vision for the civil service

Speakers: 

• Baroness Simone Finn, former Downing Street Deputy Chief of Staff
• Dame Sue Owen, former Permanent Secretary for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport
• Pamela Dow, Chief Operating Officer, Civic Future, and former Executive Director, Cabinet Office

It has long been recognised that Whitehall needs reform. But despite countless reviews and initiatives by successive governments, the same problems persist. From the shortage of STEM and delivery-focused skills, to the more systemic issues of accountability, short-termism and risk aversion, a renewed focus is needed on building a high-performing government machine fit for today's complex challenges.

With the two-year anniversary of the Declaration on Government Reform nearly upon us, questions about the future of the civil service are more pertinent than ever. The experience of the pandemic, the departure of a series of senior officials, and the fallout from the Sue Gray appointment and Raab resignation has revealed a consistent view Whitehall is not functioning as it should - though there is disagreement about how its underlying pathologies should be tackled.

A clear vision is needed for the future of the civil service, and its relationship to the executive. We would be thrilled if you would join us to discuss the reforms needed to build a modern civil service and what the relationship between ministers and officials should look like.

Please note there will also an opportunity to network over tea and coffee after the event.

If you would like to attend, please email events@reform.uk

Please note that due to limited availability, registration does not automatically guarantee attendance at this event.

You can watch the full panel here: