Ferns says that the government’s civil service reform plan is disappointing on many levels. She makes a number of proposals about what should be included in a strategy that would deliver sustainable reform.

She calls for:

• an evidence-based pay strategy to attract and retain the skills government needs
• bold action to encourage inter-departmental working
• more creative thinking from government about facilitating interchange between the public and private sectors
• trading funds which are subject to commercial disciplines and operate in competitive markets should not have their hands tied by the Treasury
• everyone working for central government needs to be given a clear message about their role and status.
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