Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff
V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Political.
"Government Must Adopt a Start-Up Mentality," Says Cabinet Minister
Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden has called for a shake up in the way the civil service operates, urging the government to adopt a “start up mentality” and embrace risk taking and innovation. Speaking in East London, McFadden, who oversees the Cabinet Office, argued that modernizing government processes would require creative thinkers and innovators to tackle public service challenges.
He stressed that this effort wasn’t a critique of civil servants themselves but a reflection on the outdated systems and structures that slow down progress. His remarks come amid recent debates about civil service efficiency and the role of government in delivering high quality services.
Civil Service Reform: A Push for Innovation and Agility
McFadden emphasized the need for “disrupters” and original thinkers in government, drawing inspiration from the “test and learn” culture at leading tech firms. According to him, many civil servants are frustrated by rigid, antiquated systems that hinder productivity.
“The people are good, but the systems and structures that they work in are too often outdated,” he remarked, pledging to modernize recruitment practices and encourage innovative approaches to public policy.
A Call for “Disrupters” to Join Whitehall
Referencing a controversial call by former government adviser Dominic Cummings for “weirdos and misfits” to join the civil service, McFadden said he wanted to attract fresh perspectives. He pointed out that the existing recruitment process was “mind-bogglingly bureaucratic and off-putting” to outsiders, discouraging talented professionals from applying.
He also spoke of a broader need to foster a culture where civil servants are encouraged to take risks and find creative solutions without fear of failure.
Bringing Tech Expertise into Government
To bridge the gap between private sector innovation and government service, McFadden announced a third wave of recruitment for the Innovation Fellowship Programme. This initiative brings tech professionals into the civil service for six to 12 month secondments, offering salaries of up to £85,000 to find technology driven solutions for public service challenges.
However, he acknowledged that public sector pay constraints remain a challenge when attracting talent from lucrative tech industries. “We are appealing to their sense of public service,” McFadden admitted.
Balancing Public Service Pay with Attracting Talent
Public sector salaries are unlikely to compete with those in the private sector, but McFadden emphasized the intrinsic value of contributing to society as a motivator for potential recruits. He acknowledged the difficulty of convincing high earning tech professionals to join government initiatives, noting that passion for public service would play a significant role in drawing talent.
Leveraging AI and Technology for Smarter Public Services
McFadden also discussed the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies to transform public services. Unlike the previous government, which positioned technology as a tool for cutting the size of the civil service, McFadden said his focus was on enhancing productivity rather than reducing headcount.
He highlighted how technology could streamline operations and improve outcomes for citizens, such as reducing delays in public services and optimizing processes.
Pilot Programs to Drive Public Service Innovation
To illustrate the government’s commitment to innovation, McFadden unveiled two pilot projects starting in January. These “test and learn teams” will focus on improving temporary housing services for homeless families in Essex and Liverpool and enhancing family support programs in Manchester and South Yorkshire.
These pilot programs are part of a broader initiative to help the government achieve key milestones, such as reducing NHS backlogs and strengthening neighborhood policing.
The Challenge of Modernizing Without Expanding
While McFadden’s vision emphasizes modernization, critics argue it could lead to unnecessary expansion of the civil service. Shadow Cabinet Office Minister Richard Holden accused Labour of planning to “swell the size and cost of the state,” claiming that taxpayers would foot the bill for unfulfilled promises.
Despite criticism, McFadden remains focused on fostering a government culture that embraces innovation, creativity, and bold thinking. He hopes this approach will lead to smarter, more efficient public services that better meet the needs of citizens.
As the government moves forward with these reforms, the success of initiatives like the Innovation Fellowship Programme and pilot projects will be closely watched to see if McFadden’s vision for a start-up-inspired civil service can become a reality.
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