Inside Whitehall: on the future of the civil service

Panellists: Philip Rycroft CB, Former Permanent Secretary, Department for Exiting the European Union Sarah Munby CB, Former Permanent Secretary, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology More speakers to be announced Andy Burnham’s team is not the only one to have arrived in office with high expectations and desires to implement ambitious new policy agendas. Yet the machinery of government is complex, and ministers often discover that ambition alone is not sufficient for reform and delivery. Reforming the civil service is central to delivering in government. But history provides ample examples of attempts at Whitehall reform failing to match political rhetoric from government. This panel will bring together former Permanent Secretaries to lift the lid on how government works from the inside. Drawing on lessons from their careers, panellists will discuss how parties should prepare for office, what incoming ministers often misunderstand about Whitehall, and how a government serious about Civil Service reform should approach the task. The discussion will focus on practical insights for improving the performance, responsiveness, and effectiveness of the British state. Re:State is delighted to welcome Philip Rycroft CB, Former Permanent Secretary, Department for Exiting the European Union and Sarah Munby CB, Former Permanent Secretary, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to explore the risks and opportunities facing the new prime minister as he embarks on his Civil Service reform agenda. With more speakers to be announced.