W6 - Civil Service Flashcards
(27 cards)
What is the primary role of the Civil Service in Britain?
To carry out legislation passed by Parliament
The Civil Service serves as the vital connecting link between decision and action, accountability and expertise.
What ethos governs a lifetime career in the Civil Service?
Impartiality
What type of administrators does the Civil Service recruitment system aim to produce?
Generalist administrators
How are Civil Servants held accountable?
Through Secretary of State and the doctrine of Ministerial responsibility
What is the historical significance of the Northcote-Trevelyan report?
It remains the foundation of the Whitehall model, replacing patronage with competitive examinations
What was the aim of the Haldane Commission on Machinery of Government?
To stress ‘partnership’ between policy making and administration
What did the Fulton Report of 1968 call for?
Changes in recruitment, promotion, and training within the Civil Service
Fill in the blank: The Civil Service is ______ and neutral.
non-political
What view describes the relationship between ministers and Civil Servants as mutually interdependent?
‘Village life in the Whitehall community’ view
What criticism is often directed towards the Civil Service regarding its culture?
Culture of mediocrity
What did Major’s reforms emphasize in relation to the Civil Service?
Co-ordination or ‘joined up government’ between departments
What was a key feature of New Labour’s approach to the Civil Service?
Party agents brought into the heart of government
What did the 2015 Conservative manifesto pledge regarding the Civil Service?
To push ahead with reform to make it more dynamic and streamlined
What did Theresa May praise the Civil Service for?
Its impartiality and commitment
What is the significance of the 2024 Conservative manifesto regarding the Civil Service?
It includes pledges to return the Civil Service to its pre-pandemic size
What do both Labour and Conservative parties express concern about regarding the Civil Service?
Efficiency and expertise
What is a major conclusion about the future of the Civil Service?
The absence from Labour’s 2024 manifesto raises questions about the era of reform
True or False: The Civil Service is characterized by a diverse representation at the top levels.
False
What is one of the key criticisms of the Civil Service’s appointment and promotion procedures?
Long controlled by the civil service itself
Fill in the blank: The Civil Service is largely ______ at the top levels.
middle class
What analogy did Ed Page use to describe the relationship between ministers and Civil Servants?
‘The grit in the oyster’ analogy
What was a significant change introduced by the ‘Next Steps’ agencies?
¾ of civil servants working for these agencies by 2000
What does the term ‘hollowing out of the state’ refer to?
The decline of the Civil Service’s role in governance
What did the reforms of the 1980s and 1990s emphasize?
Civil Service management role rather than policy advice role
