Jess Bowie and Suzannah Brecknell

From the editor: As the Grenfell Inquiry report shows, lessons are not easy to learn
10 Sep Leadership
From the editor: As the Grenfell Inquiry report shows, lessons are not easy to learn
Achieving real change takes time and persistence, and a deep consideration of how to turn understanding into action
From the editor: Is it really only five years since the last general election?
04 Jul Leadership
From the editor: Is it really only five years since the last general election?
After voters have done their duty at the polling stations, civil servants' work of welcoming, briefing and supporting new ministers will be just beginning
From the editor: Whatever else 2024 will be, it will be a year of change
20 Feb
From the editor: Whatever else 2024 will be, it will be a year of change
Even if we find ourselves with a stable, majority government by the end of this year, it’s unlikely that we’ll see a sudden end to the other challenges which have been battering public services
From the editor: Whether it's RAAC or climate change, governments must stop being so short-termist
22 Sep 2023 Education
From the editor: Whether it's RAAC or climate change, governments must stop being so short-termist
The lack of investment in schools built with weak concrete has been bad enough, but crumbling in the face of the climate crisis could be far more destructive
From the editor: Civil service reform requires hard work and moral conviction
26 Jun 2023 HR
From the editor: Civil service reform requires hard work and moral conviction
CSW's editors consider the arc of change in the civil service and reflect on our summer issue
From the editor: Welcome to the new-look Civil Service World
21 Mar 2023
From the editor: Welcome to the new-look Civil Service World
We hope the revamped CSW will enlighten and entertain you, offering food for thought and perhaps a few practical nuggets that will make your job easier
From the editor: At a time of discontinuity, leadership is at a premium
29 Jun 2022 HR
From the editor: At a time of discontinuity, leadership is at a premium
As job cuts loom, civil service leaders have their work cut out. But it’s a challenge that they will be better equipped to meet than their political masters
From the editor: You are not very good at judging risk. Sorry.
20 May 2022 Commercial
From the editor: You are not very good at judging risk. Sorry.
There are many issues to consider when assessing decisions taken around procurement in the early days of Covid. That’s why a full inquiry is being held
‘We can’t control the tweets’: chief people officer Rupert McNeil on criticism, the Covid response – and why the civil service is like a jellyfish
09 May 2022 HR
‘We can’t control the tweets’: chief people officer Rupert McNeil on criticism, the Covid response – and why the civil service is like a jellyfish
In his final interview as civil service chief people officer, Rupert McNeil talks about his proudest achievements, and the reasons for his departure
From the editor: Sorry isn't so hard to say
26 Apr 2022 HR
From the editor: Sorry isn't so hard to say
As the Grenfell Inquiry unfolds, politicians – and some senior officials – must acknowledge their role in systems which are failing
From the editor: we need to talk about burnout
25 Feb 2022 HR
From the editor: we need to talk about burnout
Jacob Rees-Mogg’s recent pronouncements about civil servants are unhelpful, particularly against a backdrop of overwork and fatigue among dedicated officials
From the editor: the Siren song of power
20 Jan 2022 Coronavirus
From the editor: the Siren song of power
The belief that important work can only be done in an office doesn't bode well for civil service reform
From the editor: As the future again looks tough, a simple message from our team to yours
15 Dec 2021
From the editor: As the future again looks tough, a simple message from our team to yours
CSW's editors reflect on the year that was and introduce the perm secs' roundup
Mark his words: interview with new cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill
22 Jan 2019 Brexit
Mark his words: interview with new cabinet secretary Sir Mark Sedwill

Taking up the roles of cabinet secretary and head of the civil service at a time of seismic change, Sir Mark Sedwill is leading a 400,000-strong team that is growing fast and working hard amid deep uncertainty. He talks to Jess Bowie and Suzannah Brecknell about his priorities, and what he thinks will define his time as government’s top official
Remembering Jeremy Heywood: A tribute to the late cabinet secretary
22 Nov 2018 Leadership
Remembering Jeremy Heywood: A tribute to the late cabinet secretary

Jess Bowie and Suzannah Brecknell explore some of the many ways Lord Heywood touched and inspired those he worked with