Impartiality is a defining feature of the UK’s civil service – and one if its ‘core values’ – but the future of civil service impartiality is in the spotlight.

Brexit, and the strained relationship between ministers and civil servants that characterised the Johnson and Truss governments, have seen ministers accuse officials of obstructing their agendas, with Dominic Raab attacking “increasingly activist” civil servants when he resigned from government.

The ability of an impartial civil service to serve governments of any political persuasion has been widely acknowledged as one of its strengths for generations, but recent tensions have led to calls for more political appointees in government.

So what can the UK learn from other countries? How do different governments approach the question of civil service impartiality? What are the benefits – and risks – of political appointments? And what is the right balance between impartial officials and political appointees?

To explore these questions, and identify any lessons for the UK, the IfG brought together a panel of experts from around the world, including:

Dr Catherine Haddon, Programme Director at the Institute for Government
Professor Donald Moynihan, McCourt Chair at the McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University, Washington D.C
Peter Woolcott AO, former Australian Public Service Commissioner

This event was chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

Civil service impartiality: what can the UK learn from abroad?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers:

Rt Hon Jesse Norman MP, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons
Caroline Elsom, Head of Reshaping The State at Onward
Eve Norridge, Head of Research at Onward
Dr Hannah White, Director of the Institute for Government
This event will be chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

This event was held in partnership with Onward.
 

How should governments rewire the state to get things done?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers:

Baroness Barran MBE, Shadow Minister for Education
Dr Kieran Mullan MP, Shadow Minister for Justice
Cllr Abi Brown OBE, Deputy Leader of the Local Government Association Conservative Group

This event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.


How should the Conservative Party rethink its vision for public services?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers:

Mayor Paul Bristow, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Manchester
Cllr Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity at Essex County Council

This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.


How can mayors improve skills and productivity to drive regional growth?

This event is part of the Institute for Government's Conservative Party Conference 2025 fringe programme.

Speakers:

Rt Hon Lord Willetts, Chair of the Regulatory Innovation Office and former Minister for Universities and Science
Helen Bower-Easton CBE, Director of Communications at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Professor Nigel Brandon OBE, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Professor of Sustainable Development in Energy at Imperial College London
Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government
Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government

This event was chaired by Dr Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government.

This event was held in partnership with Imperial College London.

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As well as the election of a new government, the last year has seen the appointment of a new cabinet secretary and eight new permanent secretaries to lead departments.  

How will this new leadership cohort change the civil service? What should they prioritise as they get to grips with their new departments? And how can they build the most talented teams to deliver the government’s priorities?

To explore these questions, with a particular focus on the Civil Service Commission’s role in recruiting senior leaders and developing the talent pipeline, the IfG was delighted to be joined for a panel discussion on civil service leadership and change by:

Atul Devani, Civil Service Commissioner and entrepreneur
John-Paul Marks CB, First Permanent Secretary and Chief Executive of HM Revenue and Customs
Baroness Gisela Stuart, First Civil Service Commissioner 
Baroness Stuart spoke briefly to consider the opportunities and challenges for the civil service. She spoke to the Commission’s strategic priorities for 2025–27.  

The event was chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. 

Leadership change in the civil service: How can new permanent secretaries deliver for government?

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Civil service impartiality: what can the UK learn from abroad?

Institute for Government

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