Is Whitehall Fit For Purpose? An Analysis of the Capability Reviews

Article

How good is Whitehall at delivery? Analysing data published as part of the Departmental Capability Reviews, IPPR research shows that despite the strong emphasis placed on 'delivery' by the Blair governments, key Whitehall public service delivery departments continue to under-perform in this vital area. Of the six departments assessed in this paper four were found to have significant weaknesses in terms of their ability to deliver effectively. In short, Whitehall has a long way to go if it is to improve its capacity to deliver public services.

How good is Whitehall at delivery? Analysing data published as part of the Departmental Capability Reviews, ippr research shows that despite the strong emphasis placed on 'delivery' by the Blair governments, key Whitehall public service delivery departments continue to under-perform in this vital area. Of the six departments assessed in this paper four were found to have significant weaknesses in terms of their ability to deliver effectively. In short, Whitehall has a long way to go if it is to improve its capacity to deliver public services.

Related items

  1. The sign for the Ministry of Defence by the building's main entrance

    Joining forces: A better strategy for defence spending with allies

    Andy Burnham has made the case that national security and rebuilding Britain’s hard power will be priorities for his government. 
  2. Adults standing in a circle and talking to each other about their mental wellbeing. There is a staff member sitting to the left of them in the frame sitting next to a table. The community centre is located in Seaton Deleval in the North East of England.

    What is the left for?: The case for a politics of reciprocism

    Liberal democratic capitalism has failed to give many people good lives, and the future looks less promising than the past. 

  3. Wildfires and climate change | Dave Hawkey from IPPR Scotland speaks to Lewis Goodall on LBC

    Europe’s heatwaves and the wildfires in the Cairngorms are a stark reminder that climate extremes are here.  The Scottish government must act now with a clear plan to prepare for what's coming.