Permanent Civil Service: Review

I am pleased to inform the House of the Government’s publication of the terms of reference for a review into the organisation, performance, and transformation of the permanent civil service.

This Government are committed to strengthening the delivery, accountability, innovation and productivity of the civil service, and to safeguarding its impartiality and core values, in order to enhance trust and confidence in the institutions of Government.

To this end, the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the civil service, Dame Antonia Romeo, will lead a wide-ranging review into the organisation, performance and transformation of the permanent civil service, with the aim of setting out a vision for the future civil service as a world-class institution.

The review will examine the full range of activities undertaken by the civil service, and will consider, among other things: the size, shape, and structure of the civil service; the impact of AI and technology on the service; the ability of the civil service to attract and retain the best talent from across the country; and the statutory footing of the service.

Recognising the essential role of Parliament in this work, the review will engage actively across both Houses, including with the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee, and the Constitution Committee in the House of Lords.

The review will report before summer 2027 and the final report will be made available to the public.

Alongside this fundamental review, the Cabinet Secretary and permanent secretaries will continue to deliver urgent work to improve delivery and accountability, innovation and productivity, and pride and trust, in and across the civil service.

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