Discussion papers
Our discussion papers put forward research, ideas and policy suggestions for better public administration, and we invite comment and response. The research presented in these papers informs our final policy output.
Instilling a high performance culture in the Civil Service
This discussion paper explores what improvements could be made to current approaches to people management in the Civil Service in order to make it more effective.
Ministers: effective political leadership in government
This discussion paper explores the role and functions of government ministers across Whitehall and how make their roles more effective. It sets out some ambitious proposals to improve the way Ministers’ talents and experience are nurtured and developed, and to help them to work together as an effective team.
Designing government for a better Britain
While the fundamentals of government structures have not changed, the detailed picture has been subject to almost constant flux, with responsibilities and departments often moving around Whitehall. This discussion paper explores what improvements could be made to current government structures to make decision-making more effective and less bureaucratic.
How can government improve financial and business planning?
Better financial management is right at the centre of creating a more effective, smarter, government. This discussion paper sets out, for debate and challenge, an assessment of the current state of play, and some suggestions for further improvement.
Departmental Boards: Boosting Reform
This discussion paper looks at how departmental boards have developed, their current role, benefits and limitations. We suggest how they could take a stronger role in making sure policy gets turned into sensible execution, in keeping performance on track, and making sure the right people are in key roles.
Smart Devolution to Level Up
This discussion paper lays out an assessment that the full potential of government's key strategic agendas around net zero and levelling up cannot be achieved if driven from the centre. It proposes a series of practical steps to devolve power and resources, alongside new approaches to accountability, in order to unlock the promise of rapid transformation for communities.
Why is government failing to deliver projects successfully?
This paper is the problem statement of our Project Management workstream, which is looking at the commissioning and delivery of large public projects. It lays out an assessment of why government is struggling to manage and deliver projects successfully.
What’s Gone Wrong with Whitehall?
This paper is the first output of our Assessment workstream, which is examining the standout successes and failures of recent public administrations. It assesses four key areas to determine whether UK government is operating at a world-class level. We welcome comment and feedback so as to inform our final report.
Better Digital Government: Obstacles and Vision
This short document seeks to lay out a vision and principles for the UK’s digital government work. It is a draft by the Commission for Smart Government spanning our Technology and Data workstreams, and is intended to elicit feedback and input from the range of stakeholders inside and outside of government.
