We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. You can find out more about which cookies we use in our Privacy Policy. Accept and Close

Leadership & Reform

A screengrab of Joe Biden delivering his speech on threats to US democracy

Biden warns of ‘dangers’ of removing civil service protections from US federal officials

US president Joe Biden has warned that Republican plans to turn more civil service jobs into political appointments are part of a “dangerous” political movement in America. Speaking in Arizona […]

A panoramic photograph of The Union Buildings that form the official seat of the South African Government at sunrise.

Is fundamental civil service change imminent in South Africa?

South Africa could be on the brink of civil service reforms set to mirror those of Northcote–Trevelyan and the Pendleton Act. Ivor Chipkin, the director of the New South Institute, […]
A picture of the executive wing of the New Zealand Parliament Buildings, known as the Beehive

Turmoil ahead: will the pendulum swing again to change New Zealand’s public sector?

With the general election in New Zealand less than a month away, the country’s public services are braced for change. Tim Fish explores New Zealand’s public service reform history and […]

From digital ID to the coronavirus pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine: how to deal with crises in government

The most senior civil servant in Estonia has shared his reflections on how governments can deal with crises in an exclusive interview with Global Government Forum. In Global Government Forum’s […]
A screenshot of Sue Gray from a Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities video seeking Levelling Up directors.

Labour tasks former department chief with devising UK government revamp

The UK’s opposition Labour party is to develop plans to rewire how government works to deliver on its priorities if it takes power following an election that is expected to […]
Dame Una O'Brien and Leading Questions podcast host Siobhan Benita.

‘I always knew that my anchor was health’: GGF’s latest Leading Questions podcast with former UK health department chief, Dame Una O’Brien

In this episode of Leading Questions, Una O’Brien, who was permanent secretary of the UK Department of Health between 2010 and 2016, joins podcast host Siobhan Benita for a chat […]
A photo of Centrelink offices, which provides for Services Australia executive agency that comes under the purview of the Department for Social Service

Stark implications for Australian Public Service in wake of Robodebt report

The release of the Royal Commission report into the Robodebt scheme has exploded a hand grenade under Australian politics and government, identifying problems across the Australian Public Service that will […]
Donald J. Trump speaks near the Texas Mexico border when he was president on Jan. 12, 2021. (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead)

Republicans could politicise 50,000 civil service jobs, US academic warns

A Republican president would revive Trump’s bid to take powers to dismiss any civil servant involved in policy work, a leading American academic has said at an event on civil […]
Union Buildings, Pretoria, South Africa.

Learning from global experiences: transforming public administration through senior civil service reforms

A review of international best practice by the New South Institute reveals a number of key principles countries need to follow to improve the work of their governments The challenge […]
A screenshot pf Gordon de Brouwer giving his speech at the IPAA on 16 June

‘Radical incrementalism’: new APS commissioner details 10-year reform agenda

Priorities for reform of the Australian Public Service (APS) will include a focus on people, behaviours and strengthening laws and institutions to ensure that the APS can sustain delivering and […]