Michael Dugher MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office, will say in a speech today (8th September) that Labour backs Civil Service reform.   

In a speech to the Institute for Government, Michael Dugher MP will say that the British Civil Service is amongst the best in the world, but that it’s now time to take it to the next level.  He will acknowledge some improvements that have been made under this Government and commit to build on these in 2015.  He will: 

• call for a new focus on delivery and say that that Labour will introduce reforms to set up a new delivery and performance regime at the heart of Government to build a stronger centre and drive through key priorities, ensure better coordination and bring in more commercial expertise;
• commit to publishing a new Capability Plan in 2015  to address the significant gaps in capabilities and skills;
• call for better leadership in departments;
• highlight Labour’s reforms to make the Civil Service more diverse;
• and outline Labour’s plans to introduce a new culture of respect between Ministers and civil servants. 

On a new focus on delivery, Michael Dugher MP will say:

“David Cameron is famous for having more holidays than Judith Chalmers and more days off than Father Christmas. Tony Blair was criticised for ‘sofa Government’, but Cameron’s style is more 'sun-lounger Government’. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with ministers taking well-earned breaks with their families. But David Cameron’s 'chillaxing’ approach of hands-off and feet-up has led to massive costly failures.

“There is a real lack of focus and accountability for implementation across Whitehall. It is clear that departments are now substantially less scrutinised and less held to account than before 2010.

“What we need is a comprehensive performance management framework for Government.  To get things back on track, Labour will introduce reforms to set up a new delivery and performance regime at the heart of government to drive through key priorities, ensure better coordination and bring in more commercial expertise. 

“Labour will ensure greater accountability and will concentrate efforts on a core set of outcome-based priorities across Whitehall.”

On improving skills and capabilities of the civil service, Michael Dugher MP will say:

“The Civil Service has many talented people. But it is widely acknowledged that there are still significant gaps in capabilities and skills. In particular, we need more experts in: digital technology, project management, commercial contracting and commissioning.  But the Government’s progress on this front has been painfully slow and in some areas has even gone backwards.  However, the Government’s Capabilities Plan, finally published in 2013, has brought some welcome clarity and a commitment to take a more strategic approach

“It is a case of better later than never, which is why we support many of the ideas contained in the plan - from better talent management and the introduction of the Project Leadership Programme, to putting digital and technology skills at the forefront. It seems that the Government has woken up to this issue, but the next step has got to be delivery – something that has been sorely missing in this area of late.

“Labour is under no illusions that significant gaps in capabilities and skills will remain in 2015.  We will seek to build on the current Government’s attempted reforms and put in place the sustained leadership and engagement that is needed to deliver. We will act quickly to publish a refreshed Capability Plan for the Civil Service in the first year of Government.”

On the appointment of Permanent Secretaries, Michael Dugher MP will say:

“My view is that Ministers should have more involvement in the appointment of Permanent Secretaries. Ministers are rightly held accountable to Parliament for the performance of their departments, so it is our view that it is only right that they should have a stronger say in the most important recruitment decision in their departments.

“As with the model suggested by the IPPR, and supported by both the current Government and by the Institute for Government, the Prime Minister should be able to choose - after consulting with the relevant Secretary of State - from a list of ‘above the line’ candidates.  

“Of course, there must still be a rigorous merit-based assessment preceding the exercise of ministerial choice. And appointed candidates must be bound by the existing Civil Service Code and values. I am absolutely clear that the Civil Service must remain impartial with advice to Ministers given without fear or favour. There can be no politicisation of the Civil Service. 

“But with the proposed strict procedures around ministerial involvement in appointments, I cannot see any increased risk of politicisation. Only a system that is more accountable and effective.”        

On the need for continued reform, Michael Dugher will say:  

“There is no doubt that the British Civil Service is amongst the best in the world.  But it’s now time to take it to the next level. So the question is: how do we sustain the vital values and the great qualities long-established in the Civil Service, while bringing about the major transformations that our times demand?”

On the Government’s Civil Service reforms, Michael Dugher will say: 

“Some progress has undoubtedly been made, but we have also seen a number of mistakes and missed opportunities.  Success has been patchy to say the least.  I have also been critical of Francis Maude’s personal approach, which has varied from a bull in a china shop to acting like a man trying to fight everyone in the pub at the same time!  However, there have been a number of improvements that should be acknowledged…. improvements that we will seek to build on. 

“These include: the Major Projects Authority and the work to control large Government projects, although the MPA still lacks enough teeth; the advancement of the shared services agenda; more rigorous objectives for Permanent Secretaries; certain spending controls from the centre over common activities; attempts to build a stronger corporate centre with the Crown Commercial Service and the Government Digital Service; more accountability for Accounting Officers and Senior Responsible Officers; and extended ministerial offices. 

“These will require further improvements - but they are a step in the right direction and indeed are a continuation of many of the changes started under the previous Government.”