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. Many national flags against blue sky

    Navigating a world between orders: Launching the Centre for Geopolitics and International Policy

    Following a successful first phase of our international programme, IPPR has launched the Centre for Geopolitics and International Policy (CGIP). 

  2. Analysis of industry claims about the effects of higher gambling taxes

    Our response to the backlash from the gambling industry on calls for higher taxes.
  3. A woman in a white cap and black and white stripe t-shirt works in a restaurant kitchen

    Reaping the productivity dividend: How the employment rights bill could impact growth

    Labour’s employment rights bill represents the most significant evolution for British workers’ rights in decades.