Author Profile

Every adult applying for their first passport now has to attend an interview with the Identity and Passport Service, to be questioned about their background. Stuart Watson turns the tables on IPS chief executive Sarah Rapson.

A library assistant explains that government policies have expanded libraries’ roles – and stretched staff.

Changing the face of the civil service to reflect British diversity has been a key priority for civil service leaders recently – but cuts and job losses present a real threat to the progress made so far. Suzannah Brecknell reports.

Paying off the public debt may avert more misery, but what will make us happier? Colin Marrs reports on plans to measure public wellbeing, as they do in Bhutan, Canada and France, and use the results to shape policy.

Here CSW profiles a publicity-shy group who are crucial to shaping policy – and now, it seems, to providing our political leaders.

Chief executive, Jobcentre Plus

Permanent secretary, Department for International Development

Permanent secretary, Home Office

Permanent secretary, Department for Work and Pensions

Permanent secretary, Department for Communities and Local Government

HM Procurator-General, Treasury Solicitor and Head of the Government Legal Service, Treasury Solicitor’s Dept

Permanent secretary, Scottish Government

Chief executive, UK Border Agency

Permanent secretary, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Permanent secretary, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Permanent secretary, Ministry of Justice

Permanent secretary, Ministry of Defence

Permanent secretary, Department for Education

Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service, Cabinet Office

Chief executive and permanent secretary, HM Revenue & Customs

An ‘allied health professional’ explains what the title means, and why giving power to the frontline brings risks as well as rewards

The coalition has ambitious plans for IT-based services, and wants to move from paper and counter-based services towards web-based delivery. Joshua Chambers explains how civil servants can stay ahead of the game.

This week’s interviewee works for a charity providing social care for people leaving psychiatric hospitals

Six years after the relocation agenda was launched, more than 20,000 civil servants have left the Greater South-East for the North or West. Giles Barrie discovers that their colleagues are unlikely to follow them any time soon.

Tax Increment Financing – like other forms of hypothecated taxation – has long horrified the Treasury. But Stuart Watson finds attitudes changing, in the Exchequer as well as at Westminster and Holyrood.

One of David Cameron’s first acts as PM was to increase the pressure to shrink Whitehall’s carbon footprint. James Patterson says that a combination of common sense and modern technology can yield impressive results.

Wales is set to win greater powers to legislate if the Welsh people vote ‘yes’ in a forthcoming referendum, reports Ian Pickering

Cabinet veteran Ken Clarke has arrived at the MoJ with ambitious plans for reform. Ben Willis sets out an agenda that aims to cut both reoffending and public expenditure.

This week’s interviewee works in the child protection unit of a city council, and has nine years’ experience as a social worker

This week’s interviewee is a GP with more than 20 years’ experience as a partner in an urban practice

Following in the footsteps of local government, Whitehall is set to accelerate the outsourcing of services and functions. Stuart Watson monitors progress – and looks for lessons in some major recent outsourcing programmes.

After all the talk of electoral reform, the Lib Dems have won a promise of a referendum on AV. Dr Ken Ritchie is distinctly underwhelmed.

This week’s interviewee works for the home ownership branch of a housing association

A CSW survey of civil servants reveals broad satisfaction with training provision, albeit with variations between grades, professions and departments. Ruth Keeling looks at the results – and the likely impact of budget cuts

Welsh devolution has brought many benefits, says Hywel Francis. But it could bring more if its mechanics were better understood in Whitehall