Darren Jones, the chief secretary to the prime minister, has declared that "the doers, not the talkers" will be prioritised for promotions in a sweeping overhaul of the civil service. In a keynote speech delivered at the What3Words tech company in west London, Jones outlined ambitious plans to eliminate bureaucratic inefficiencies, which he termed "the sludge" in Whitehall.
Performance-Based Reforms and Accountability Measures
Jones emphasised that underperforming senior civil servants will face dismissal, moving away from the traditional practice of reassigning them to other departments. He revealed that only seven out of 7,000 senior officials are currently on improvement plans, highlighting a need for greater accountability. Ministers will set key performance indicators, and those failing to meet expectations will be "shown the door."
Additionally, large bonuses will be reserved for individuals demonstrating exceptional achievement, incentivising high performance across the civil service. Jones stated that civil servants should feel a sense of "jeopardy" if they underperform, fostering a culture of responsibility and results-driven work.
Agile Taskforces and Digital Transformation
To address specific problems, Jones proposed creating small, agile taskforces subject to the "two pizza" test—a startup principle that teams should be small enough to share two pizzas, ensuring efficiency and flexibility. Cabinet ministers will bid for these units to assist in their departments, focusing on areas like childcare policy and the management of driving tests and licences.
Jones argued that the British state is "broken" and requires a complete digital transformation. He pointed to public frustration, noting that while banking and shopping online are quick and convenient, public services lag behind. As part of this effort, an HMRC pilot reduced a 40-step process to just two layers of approvals, showcasing potential improvements.
Union Responses and Risk-Taking Culture
During the event, Dave Penman of the FDA union raised concerns about civil servants being scapegoated by politicians and questioned whether they would be encouraged to take risks without fear of blame. Jones responded that he is comfortable with increased risk-taking to enhance productivity, acknowledging past governments' unsuccessful attempts to reform Whitehall.
Mike Clancy of the Prospect union expressed support for changes if implemented properly, highlighting that many "doers" in government, such as specialists in science and data, are often underpaid and undervalued. He urged the government to reform the pay system to retain key talent, which is crucial for on-the-ground delivery.
Legislative and Regulatory Streamlining
Jones announced that Richard Hermer, the attorney general, and Nick Thomas-Symonds, a Cabinet Office minister, will lead efforts to remove obstacles in legislation, regulations, and processes. This "sludge busting" initiative aims to strip out unnecessary checks and consultations, speeding up policy implementation and service delivery.
Standing before a neon "move fast, fix things" slogan, Jones reiterated his commitment to rewiring Whitehall for better efficiency. He acknowledged the challenges but expressed confidence that this reform, combined with a focus on public experience and competition within the civil service, will lead to meaningful change.
