Civil Service Staff Turnover 2023-11-23
2023-11-23
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Staff churn in the civil service has been a long-standing issue, dating back to the 1960s Fulton inquiry under Harold Wilson. The problem is worsening.
What assessment has the government made of the potential impact of staff turnover in the civil service on domain knowledge and subject expertise among senior civil servants?
In July 2022, we launched a policy setting expected assignment durations for SCS1 and SCS2 roles at a default minimum of three years to support the transfer of knowledge management and subject expertise. The initial impact will be reviewed by July next year, with a fuller review in July 2025.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide specific details on the assessment of the impact of staff turnover.
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue of churn and generalism in the civil service has persisted for decades since the Fulton inquiry under Harold Wilson. The MP references a government submission to a Liaison Committee's inquiry on strategic thinking and highlights the importance of domain knowledge and subject expertise.
Does the Government acknowledge that the problem of churn and generalism in the civil service has worsened over 50 years? Can we better scrutinise government strategy if experts with domain knowledge are not present?
Pivotal role allowances have been in place for 10 years, and my predecessor Lord Maude introduced initiatives. In 2022, senior civil service turnover was 12.4% with resignations at 5%. We need to retain specialisms longer so that key Government programmes benefit from enduring expertise.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer does not provide a specific commitment for a supplementary note or detailed plan on retaining expertise.
Building On Previous Initiatives
Response accuracy