The Cabinet Office has published terms of reference for a review of the “organisation, efficiency and transformation” of the civil service, which outgoing Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced last month.
Cabinet Secretary Dame Antonia Romeo was tasked with leading the review, due to be completed by next summer, before Starmer announced his decision to step down as prime minister – although his departure had been widely expected.
In a written statement to Parliament yesterday, Starmer told MPs the review “will examine the full range of activities undertaken by the public service”. He said this would include “the size, shape and structure of the civil service, the impact of artificial intelligence and technology on the service, the ability of the civil service to attract and retain the best talent from across the country, and the legislative framework for the service.”
According to the terms of reference for the review, which was also published yesterday, the review will take into account the work of “every organization and department” both in the UK and overseas.
The final report is expected to include proposals to “strengthen accountability and the ability to deliver value to the country and citizens now and in the future.”
The terms of reference state that the main areas of focus will be: delivery, innovation and performance, as well as pride and trust; ensuring impartiality and core values, including updating the civil service code; and increasing confidence in the service among ministers, parliament and the public.
The terms of reference indicate that the verification will take into account: the size, shape and structure of the future service; AI and technology as a means of implementation and transformation; current and future opportunities; performance management; and accountability and chain of command.
Remuneration, rewards and incentives will also be a focus; recruitment systems “to attract and retain the best talent in all regions of the country”; core values and civil service code; and the regulatory framework of the service.
According to the terms of reference, the review will include interviews with “relevant persons” inside and outside government, as well as consideration of global best practice. The document states that “expert consultants from academic, private, public, civil and international spheres” will be among those providing input.
The review will also include consultation with the House of Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee and the House of Lords Constitution Committee.
The terms of reference say the review will “conclude with the production of a report setting out a vision for the future of the civil service as a world-class institution for ministers and the public”, with recommendations for reform to achieve this goal.
The review is due to be published “before the summer of 2027” and is expected to be published before Parliament’s summer recess in July next year. The terms of reference clearly state that the final report will be made available to the public.
In his statement, Starmer said the review would not be the only civil service reform undertaken in the coming months.
“Alongside this fundamental review, the Cabinet Secretary and Permanent Secretaries will continue to undertake urgent work to improve delivery and accountability, innovation and productivity, and pride and trust within and across the public service,” he said.
Starmer could leave Downing Street in less than three weeks if Andy Burnham becomes the only candidate to succeed him as Labor Party leader and prime minister.
If there are multiple candidates and a leadership battle, Starmer is expected to remain as prime minister until the end of August.