The civil service is in urgent need of a new code of conduct to repair the strained relationship between ministers and civil servants, following the departure of Sir Olly Robbins from government. Regardless of where the fault lies, this event marks another setback in an already damaged partnership. Joe Hill, director of strategy at Re:State, argues that better communication is essential, much like a marriage on the rocks.
The Gap Between Stated and Actual Values
Organizations often claim to value one thing but reward another. Enron, which collapsed in 2001 due to fraud, listed integrity, communication, respect, and excellence as its core values. While most organizations do not stray as far from their stated values, many still rely on bland statements dreamed up during corporate retreats. However, what about organizations that do not articulate any values at all? The civil service operates without a clear set of positive values, leaving employees unsure of what is expected and how to excel.
The Current Code Falls Short
During his testimony, Sir Olly Robbins stated he acted in line with the Civil Service Code and could recite it from memory. Yet the Code, at 1,336 words, is more a legalistic list of prohibitions than a guide to ethical behavior. It focuses on what civil servants cannot do, rather than what they should do. When Robbins says he followed the Code, he means he avoided violating constitutional principles of impartiality, not that he embodied values that help officials navigate moral dilemmas. This silence is deafening.
Negative Culture of Avoidance
The absence of a stated culture does not mean none exists. Without positive principles, Whitehall organizes around negative ones: avoiding risks, new ideas, external talent, underperformers, and difficult conversations. This culture stifles innovation and accountability.
Rebuilding Trust with a New Code
To rebuild trust, the civil service needs a stronger culture with higher standards, akin to high-performing organizations. A new Code should emphasize values like ownership, excellence, openness, and courage. For example, Netflix's 'Freedom & Responsibility' culture encourages individual accountability, a stark contrast to a civil service where poor performance rarely leads to dismissal.
Challenges in Reform
However, reforming an organization that does not hire, promote, or fire based on these values is difficult. The new Cabinet Secretary has expressed interest in reviewing the Code, but without external ideas, progress may stall. Re:State has taken the initiative to rewrite the Civil Service Code themselves, publishing it as a proposal. It is up to the government whether to adopt it, but without change, Whitehall may remain stagnant for another two decades.
