If you want a more agile state first reform specialist civil service pay

Mike Clancy, General Secretary of Prospect, responding to the preview of Darren Jones’s speech about reforming the civil service, said:

“The government is right that civil servants support reforms to the way government works if these are done properly. They are eager to improve delivery in government, reduce bureaucracy, and better serve the public.

“There are already thousands of ‘doers’ in government, particularly Prospect members, who have specialist in-demand skills in areas like science, data, procurement and project management. These people are frequently underpaid, undervalued and often work outside Whitehall in areas vital to on-the-ground delivery.

“A series of government reports have recommended reforming the pay system to provide the flexibility to recruit and retain key specialists in the civil service. If the government wants a more agile and productive state, this is the place to start.”