CASE OF EMERGENCY

CSW readers shared their thoughts on new cab sec

Simon Case saying he wanted the civil service to “modernise” and “pull out all the stops to deliver what the public expects”.

“I think you’ll find we have already been doing this throughout the pandemic!” commented Tina Potter. Dionne Campbell-Mark agreed and added: “Throughout the decades of numerous governments and administrations, even.”

Elaine Jacobs asked: “What ‘the public’ expects? Or what the government requires?”

“How are we to know what the ‘public expects’? I suspect they expect many many different things,”

Danny Herbert added.

Some readers gave examples. “I expect government to abide by domestic and international law and the civil service also to do so. And for those officials and politicians that don’t to be subject to the rules and disciplinary provisions,” Paul Bostock said.

But Andrew Hansler had another suggestion altogether: “Can we modernise how new leaders always declare they are going to modernise? It’s so old hat.” brilliant job while working from home. This has been a wake-up call for those who have traditionally spent all or most of their time in an office. Is it a permanent shift away from the office? Only time will tell, but the CS has proven it can deliver outside of the traditional construct,” Jane Hartley said.

Deb Lonnon added: “I have worked harder at home than I ever have in an office (possibly excluding Grenfell). I have covered for colleagues juggling childcare, put in my commuting hours at my kitchen table, established my flow, adapted. I have covered others’ summer leave, worked excessive hours, supported ministers, challenged others.”