Manzoni (pictured), who has been in government less than a year after a private sector career spanning 30 years, told the House of Commons Governance Select Committee on Tuesday, 18 November, that he can bring a different “lens” to government, a “fresh perspective on issues associated with implementation”, and knowledge of “how to make things happen with people and organisations”.
Asked by committee member Jacob Rees-Mogg MP what skills a good chief executive in the public sector needs, Manzoni replied “leadership” and an understanding “how to get things done in large, complex organisations.”
He added: “I think much of the same things that make things happen in the private sector— frankly, if I’m honest, we could build that muscle in the public sector a bit more than we have today, which I assume is why I’m here.
“It is about clarity, accountability and delegation, and I would say that in those three areas there are opportunities for improvement.”
Committee member Valerie Vaz later noted: “It is interesting what you said, Mr Manzoni, about getting things done.
“I think a lot of civil servants out there will be very upset by what you say. It is almost implying that nothing got done until you came.”
But Manzoni countered: “I think those are your words, not mine. People are working extraordinarily hard; it is amazing how much does get done. Things could be done even better.”