What Whitehall needs most of all are politicians who combine a determination to deliver on their promises with honesty, competence and a willingness to listen.
I would also say continuity given the high level of ministerial churn in too many departments.
I would also say continuity given the high level of ministerial churn in too many departments.
High turnover, whether in key rôles in the Civil Service or amongst ministers undermines accountability and responsibility. Too easy to blame the guy who has just left.
Also with high churn p, the opportunities to grow deep and rich knowledge is limited.
Also with high churn p, the opportunities to grow deep and rich knowledge is limited.
Most of us will be conscious now of the woeful absence of basic statistical understanding from within our political ranks, including those who are ministers.
Cummings should be directing his attention at educating them.
Cummings should be directing his attention at educating them.
Predicting some things are easier than others as Brexit and its process and consequence demonstrates.
It isn’t just numbers. Who would have predicted that our politicians and indeed citizens would make decisions so harmful to the country?
It isn’t just numbers. Who would have predicted that our politicians and indeed citizens would make decisions so harmful to the country?
So Social Media regulation require MUCH more than an understand of software and technology as the wider context of usage, institutions, political will, law, economic and social effects need to be part of the decision making process.
Ah. Even when you have low turnover if you have a tin eared minister (now a Lord of the Realm) who ignores expertise and advice, what then?
How can Civil Servants become more forceful when Cummings is advertising how easily they can be binned for disagreeing?
How can Civil Servants become more forceful when Cummings is advertising how easily they can be binned for disagreeing?
