CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY

Issue 21 THE NATIONAL ARCHIVES – Subscribe for free here: October 2019 PRESERVING OUR SHARED HISTORY quarterly.blog.gov.uk IN THE DIGITAL AGE #CSQuarterly STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY – AND WHY IT’S NO LONGER AN “EASY SELL” CONTENTS

SAFEGUARDING OUR NATION’S STORY John Sheridan, Digital Director, The National Archives 4

STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY AROUND Anthony Smith, CEO, Westminster Foundation for Democracy 10 THE WORLD

FINDING THE ‘UNICORNS’: BEHAVIOURAL David Halpern, CEO, Behavioural Insights Team 16 SCIENCE IN GOVERNMENT GROWS UP

ADAPTING OUR APPROACH TO Nick Smallwood, CEO, Infrastructure and Projects Authority 22 MANAGING MAJOR PROJECTS

SPOTLIGHT: NEXT STEPS AND CHALLENGES Melanie Dawes, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, 28 FOR CIVIL SERVICE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Communities and Local Government

MEASURING DEFENCE PRODUCTIVITY: Major Dom Prtak, Finance & Military Capability, 32 A FIRST STEP Ministry of Defence

AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN PULLINGER John Pullinger, former UK National Statistician, 38 Head of the Government Statistical Service and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority

Civil Service Quarterly opens up the CONTACT US EDITORIAL BOARD Civil Service to greater collaboration [email protected] Sir Chris Wormald, Permanent and challenge, showcases excellence Room 317, 70 Whitehall, Secretary, Department of Health and invites discussion. If the Civil London, SW1A 2AS and Social Care (chair) Service is to be truly world-leading, it needs to collaborate more, learn Read the magazine online Alex Aiken, Executive Director, from experts outside the Civil and subscribe for free – Government Communications Service, listen more to the public quarterly.blog.gov.uk David Halpern, Chief Executive, and front-line staff and respond Behavioural Insights Team to new challenges with innovation EDITORIAL TEAM and boldness. Helen Card, Cabinet Office, Clare Moriarty, Permanent [email protected] Secretary, Department for Exiting Any civil servant can write for the European Union Civil Service Quarterly – contact Simon Holder, Cabinet Office Bernadette Kelly, Permanent [email protected] [email protected] Secretary, Department for Transport Cover photo: © Crown copyright Thanks to Shannen Catalan and Jonathan Slater, Permanent Secretary, Benjamin Jackson, Department Department for Education of Health and Social Care Sir Patrick Vallance, Government MEDIA CONTACT Chief Scientific Adviser Matthew Blom, Cabinet Office Sir Richard Lambert, Chairman, [email protected] Board of Trustees, British Museum Sam Beckett, Joint Head, Government Economic Service Charles Roxburgh, Director General, Financial Services, HM Treasury Jill Rutter, Programme Director, Institute for Government EDITORIAL

WFD CEO Anthony Smith most inclusive employer. She looks at how the foundation is introduces two civil servants promoting democracy when, as from underrepresented groups he writes, it is no longer an easy who describe their experience, sell in any country, no matter and she pinpoints five ways in how mature its democratic which we can all help to turn institutions. ambition into reality. It is nearly a decade since Improving productivity is another body set up by the another major preoccupation UK Government became the of successive governments. An first in the world dedicated to equally abiding question is how applying behavioural science to to measure it in the first place. WELCOME TO THE 21ST public policy issues. Behavioural In Defence, says Major Dom EDITION OF CIVIL SERVICE Insights Team CEO David Prtak, the problem is twofold, QUARTERLY Halpern identifies the policy involving the hypothetical rticles in this issue range ‘unicorns’ – the successful nature of Defence outputs, Afar and wide, but share ‘nudges’ prompted by when military action is purposely a focus on some of the behavioural insights, including avoided, compounded by the pre‑eminent challenges facing in health, welfare and education fact that deterrence is itself a key 21st-century government, – and suggests the policy areas outcome. He explains how the from effective policy-making where the next generation of MOD is approaching the problem and use of statistics, to mythical beasts may show of measuring effectiveness in an supporting democracy, and themselves. area we all hope will never be measuring and improving tested in earnest. As CEO of the Infrastructure productivity in a modern and Projects Authority, Nick To close this edition, we economy. Smallwood oversees the interviewed John Pullinger, who The National Archives is the Government Major Projects retired this year as UK National home of the UK Government’s Portfolio. All these projects Statistician. In an age of corporate memory and of our are designed to transform proliferating data and statistics, shared history, preserved in an services for citizens, improving he says the statistician’s job is at astonishingly varied collection, government efficiency and the heart of democracy, helping from parchment to websites. implementing new policy. us to gain insight into how we Among the 14 million records However, such projects are live and to make sure everyone in its catalogue are treasures inherently complex, and – as is able to make good decisions including Domesday, the recent history shows – things for themselves and wider confessions of Guy Fawkes, and do, inevitably, go wrong. society. He also gives his views the last telegram sent from the Although analysis shows that on subjects including fake news, Titanic. John Sheridan, TNA’s the causes of such failures the proper sharing of data, Digital Director, examines how are different, as Nick writes, and the level of data literacy the archives are tackling the there are shared features that in public life. urgent issue of managing the it is important to learn from shift to digital records and the and apply to future projects. risks to preserving them. Sir Chris Wormald, Permanent This issue’s Spotlight feature Secretary, Department of Health From the body responsible trains its beam on progress and Social Care for safeguarding the record towards a truly inclusive Civil of the UK’s political past and Service. Thirty years into the historic development of its her career as a civil servant, democratic institutions, to a Permanent Secretary Melanie group working to establish and Dawes says she has seen preserve democracy around considerable change for the the world. The Westminster better. Now, as the organisation’s Foundation for Democracy Champion for Diversity and (WFD) is the UK Government’s Inclusion, she is aware of the democracy-support agency for scale of the task that remains developing countries. to realise the Civil Service’s ambition of being the UK’s

Let us know what you think by email to [email protected] or on Twitter #CSQuarterly 4 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

SAFEGUARDING OUR NATION’S STORY

John Sheridan, Digital Director, The National Archives Above all, we are keepers of evidence. Our collection holds insights into some of the most difficult policy issues of the past CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 5

hat do you think of when We provide a range of services Wsomeone mentions The for Civil Service colleagues National Archives? Possibly, the wishing to consult the records time-honoured tradition of old first-hand, at our reading rooms government files ceremoniously in Kew or remotely at their place released to the public between of work. Our searchable online Christmas and New Year. catalogue, Discovery, provides Perhaps, the notion of a storage details on our collection, and facility, or an impression of all publicly available records quiet, scholarly research. Given are available to civil servants. that we have been around Discovery also includes records in one form or another since we hold that are, under Freedom 1983, there are lots of possible of Information legislation, thoughts. Whatever comes exempt from public release. to mind, you should not be Each department works with us surprised to learn that, in the through its named Departmental 21st century, we are responsible Records Officer, who can advise for so much more. applicants on the process for accessing these records should The National Archives is a they need them for their work. non‑ministerial department, under the Department for As a living archive, our collection Digital, Culture, Media and continues to grow. Last year, we Sport, and the official archive added more than 55,000 new and publisher for the UK records from across government. Government and for England The ongoing transition to the and Wales. Its collection is 20-year rule for release of unique, dating back more government documents means than 1,000 years, with records the records being passed to us touching on the history of are increasingly contemporary. almost every part of the world. This has changed both the public conversation around The collection is astonishingly the government record and varied, from parchment to sharpened the challenge for websites. Among the 14 million us in preserving it, in whatever records described in the format. catalogue are treasures including Domesday, Shakespeare’s will, REFOCUSING RESOURCES the confessions of Guy Fawkes, and the last telegram sent from The format of government the Titanic. records has altered dramatically. In December 2018, we released WORKING WITH CIVIL files that revealed how some SERVANTS members of Sir John Major’s government in 1994 did not We lead the archive sector in believe email would ‘catch on’ England and are an Independent as a viable communication tool. Research Organisation in our Today, the record of government own right but, above all, we is predominantly digital, are keepers of evidence. As its and that is a major strategic archive, we are the home of the challenge for the archive. UK Government’s corporate memory, and our records hold As part of our response to this insights into some of the most challenge, we have refreshed difficult policy issues of the our offer to government past. Civil servants who consult departments, refocusing the records we hold are learning resources to better support from the direct experience of departments in managing their their predecessors. information, both digital and the large legacy of paper records. 6 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

It is not always obvious what Take email, for example – to keep, so we are helping snippets of texts in threaded GUY FAWKES’S departments by providing more discussions, with different CONFESSIONS targeted expert advice. We participants, the conversations Guy Fawkes is the best-known support departments’ efforts to forking and sometimes of the men who planned maintain compliance with their re‑merging. Compared to to blow up King James I statutory obligations, and we the letters and memos of the during the State Opening are leading work to review and pre‑digital Civil Service, it is of Parliament on 5 November update the Code of Practice far from obvious where the 1605 – the Gunpowder Plot. for record‑keeping under digital record might begin and Section 46 of the Freedom end. This is a problem both we James I was a Protestant king, of Information Act 2000, to and the Better Information for and English Catholics despaired reflect the relevance of digital Better Government team in the of any return to the old religion. information. Cabinet Office are looking to A small group decided to blow address. We are investigating up both King and Parliament DIGITAL PRESERVATION how we might best use artificial with gunpowder and place intelligence (AI) to select which James’s daughter Elizabeth Becoming a digital archive emails to keep and which to on the throne. They hoped she has been a game-changer delete. would marry a Catholic prince for The National Archives. and England would once again Effectively, we are now running Computers are now reasonably be a Catholic country. two archives: one tangible good at classification problems, (physical papers in boxes on such as distinguishing The King’s spies discovered the repository shelves), the other between personal email and plot. Fawkes was found during intangible (files held in a digital business‑related email in a work the evening of 4 November preservation system). account. However, classifying with 36 barrels of gunpowder emails in ways that rely on their in the cellars under the To be a digital archive is to be context is a much tougher nut Palace of Westminster, where an institution comfortable with to crack, albeit the technology Parliament was due to meet. ambiguity and change, one that is advancing very quickly. He confessed to the plot and can adapt rapidly in response named the others involved, to an ever-evolving technology Email is now a well-established signing two confessions – one landscape. We are actively and mature technology. after torture and another eight engaged with a wide range of Meanwhile, we are evolving days later. The contrast is challenges posed by the digital new ways of communicating, remarkable. His first signature government record, both as of capturing information and of is weak and shaky where it currently exists and as it processing it. Every technology ‘Guido’ can faintly be made might develop. presents new challenges for out. The second is signed in a the digital archivist, in terms of steadier hand, ‘Guido Fawkes’. selection, context, preservation and access. How do we know Fawkes and the other plotters which AI-based deep networks were executed on 30 and to keep and what do we need 31 January 1606. Ever since, to do to preserve them? every November firework displays and bonfires recall the Gunpowder Plot.

We believe that the information we hold is for everyone, because it is about all of us and our shared history THE RISK LANDSCAPE There is no long-term solution to digital preservation, nor reliable preservation software solutions that can be guaranteed to enough to encompass a wide function even over the medium range of threats, flexible enough term. The digital archive’s risk to accommodate changes in landscape is, therefore, complex our understanding, as well and varied. For example, each as pragmatic, incremental, As technology continually type of storage medium (hard explanatory and predictive. changes, so does the disc, tape, etc.) has its own age assessment of the risk distribution, which the archive MODELLING THE RISKS landscape. We are trying to needs to understand. Moreover, blend quantitative data with We are currently developing the impact on the archive of expert judgement in areas an approach, based on data corruption depends both where we lack hard data. To what are known as Dynamic on the characteristics of the file do this, we are exploring expert Bayesian Networks, to model format of the records and on data collection techniques, such digital preservation risks. Such the information density of what as IDEA (Investigate, Discuss, networks (probabilistic ones, of is being stored. Estimate, Aggregate), to help cause and effect) are common fill the gaps in quantitative The National Archives is in robotics, and show promise evidence. This involves framing developing new methods for for a wide range of data-mining a specific question for experts, measuring and managing the applications. Crucially for the who offer an informed view. risks to the digital archive. We archive, they are also iterative, After discussion and structured need an approach to risk that so we can consider the impact challenge, the process is is grounded in data, broad of different preservation actions repeated and judgements over time in our model. aggregated to provide a working estimate for the Bayesian model. 8 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

Technology systems become DIGITAL SERVICES An archive needs to be used in obsolete at an extraordinary order to be useful, and staying The National Archives also pace, making it a highly relevant to our users is vital. operates some major digital disrupted and disruptive services, including the We are committed to becoming environment. This makes government web archive and an inclusive archive – tearing the role of the archivist even legislation.gov.uk. down barriers to access and more important in sustaining actively reaching out to new the archive and securing We have created a comprehensive audiences. This commitment information. Our work involves archive of European Union law means we are increasingly intervening at the right time in as part of the UK’s preparations becoming a place that people the right way, to mitigate the for EU Exit. We have also visit to experience and enjoy, risks to the digital records we helped to ‘domesticate’ retained as well as to learn. hold. Through development of direct EU legislation, by adding Bayesian Networks we are at the legislation originating from the We are transforming our spaces forefront, internationally, in the EU to the legislation website. We and engaging people who creation of new approaches. have been busy capturing data might never otherwise think of about all the changes made by coming to an archive. We have EU Exit Statutory Instruments, so an exciting range of events in we can produce the UK‑applicable our ‘What’s On’ programme – SHAKESPEARE’S WILL versions of the texts for users of from family days and creative In 2016, The National Archives legislation.gov.uk. workshops, to themed evening carried out innovative archival events. These act as signposts and scientific research into the ARCHIVES FOR EVERYONE or gateways into more detailed, personal research for many will of William Shakespeare. In this article I’ve focused on people. And this transformation the archive as a resource for Conservators removed a heavy isn’t just at our headquarters government and a partner in paper backing and earlier in Kew. Our reach online is tackling the challenge of digital, repairs made with silk, to return continuously growing, with but as The National Archives we the 400-year-old document’s 274 million records delivered have a wider historic mission. appearance closer to its original to online users last year. state. This allowed close analysis We believe that the information of the paper for the first time, we hold, in whatever format, A living and growing archive. using x-ray technology and near is for everyone, because it is A global leader in digital thinking. infrared light. about all of us and our shared A new kind of cultural and histories. heritage institution – inclusive, The analysis showed that entrepreneurial and disruptive, page two of the three-page we are redefining what it means manuscript was drafted at a to be a 21st‑century national different time to the first and archive. And perhaps changing last pages. It also revealed the way people think about significant changes made in archives. both January and March 1616 • Shakespeare had been ill for as the playwright’s – and his some time and had retired to family’s – status changed. Stratford, where he wrote his Initial results suggested that will as he lay dying; Shakespeare was a canny • he was sour and cold towards businessman who revisited his his family and left no tender will several times to keep it up words in his last will and to date and secure a financial testament; legacy for his family. • he distrusted his daughter The new research forced Judith and her new husband • he was mean or indifferent scholars to reassess the will, as Thomas Quiney, and changed to his wife Anne and only it cast serious doubt on several his will to prevent Quiney from left her the ‘second-best accepted theories, including: benefiting; and bed’ (not the snub it might appear: in Shakespeare’s time, the ‘best bed’ was a symbol of prosperity, reserved for guests, while the ‘second‑best bed’ mentioned in the will is likely to have been the Shakespeares’ own marital bed). CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 9

In December 2018, we released files that revealed how some members of Sir John Major’s government in 1994 did not believe email would ‘catch on’

JOHN MAJOR’S NOTE ON MAASTRICHT BILL COURT of national sovereignty, argued ACTION JUDGMENT that the process was “legally The Treaty on European and constitutionally flawed”, Union, better known as the and that the Government Maastricht Treaty, was signed had acted illegally by failing on 7 February 1992 by the to give Parliament a chance 12 members of the European to scrutinise parts of the Community. It founded the agreement. European Union and paved The High Court rejected his the way to the single European arguments, with all three judges currency, the Common Foreign supporting the Government’s and Security Policy, and position on the issues. As Rees cooperation in the fields of Mogg was also asked by the justice and home affairs. High Court to cover the costs In Britain, the ratification of the legal action, John Major process split the Conservative awarded himself a “full gloat”. Party in Parliament and Lord The Maastricht Bill passed William Rees Mogg went to through the Commons on court against John Major’s 23 July 1993, after John Major government. won a motion of confidence Lord Rees Mogg, worried that approving the Government’s ratification might lead to loss policy on the Social Chapter. 10 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

STRENGTHENING DEMOCRACY AROUND THE WORLD

Anthony Smith, CEO, Westminster Foundation for Democracy

Democracy is no longer an easy sell in any country, no matter how mature its democratic institutions CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 11

In the years that followed, Working primarily with WFD worked in many corners parliaments, political parties, of the globe where support civil society groups and on for democracy was needed elections, WFD seeks to make most. We supported the developing countries’ political post‑apartheid National systems more inclusive, fair, he Westminster Foundation Assembly in South Africa, accountable and transparent. for Democracy (WFD) to accompany the historic T Last year, WFD implemented is the UK government’s transition to democracy in 55 programmes directly through democracy-support agency that country. As peacekeepers our offices across 33 countries, for developing countries. Here entered Kosovo after the in addition to four programmes WFD’s CEO, Anthony Smith, a conflict with Serbia, WFD was through the UK political parties. former diplomat with 20 years’ one of the first organisations experience in DFID and the FCO, to follow to help develop Across our network we looks at how WFD is responding democratic institutions. organised over 1,200 activities, to the main challenges to which engaged nearly 26,000 We shared lessons from democracy today. participants, employing over the Northern Ireland peace 600 experts to create tailor- process to inform reconciliation EARLY YEARS made approaches to address efforts in Colombia, bringing local challenges to democratic The 30th anniversary this people from Northern Ireland’s governance. November of the fall of the churches, women’s organisations Berlin Wall should prompt and government to present The organisation also reflections on the state of their experiences to Colombian continued to lead research in democracy around the world. counterparts in government and the international democracy Back then, democracy was the Revolutionary Armed Forces support sector, including looking an easy sell – the contrasts (FARC). at issues such as what donors between rich Western countries and practitioners can do better, and impoverished autocracies CONTEXT FOR OUR WORK women’s political leadership, in the former Soviet Union and and the cost of politics. These are just a few examples the developing world were stark. of our work. There have Our research partnership with Brave reformers in Central and certainly been successes, but the University of Birmingham Eastern Europe, Southern Africa the challenges feel bigger than enables researchers to access and parts of Asia finally saw ever. Democracy is no longer the data, practice, people and light at the end of the tunnel an easy sell in any country, beneficiaries of a development and were eager for support. no matter how mature its agency – WFD – that is The UK Government’s democratic institutions. Three working at the heart of politics decision in 1992 to establish challenges stand out: in emerging and fledgling the Westminster Foundation democracies around the world, • democracy is not anymore for Democracy (WFD) as providing innovative insights a prerequisite for economic an arm’s‑length body of the and analysis of trends and growth; Foreign and Commonwealth patterns across the governance Office (FCO) was a response to • even dictators are now community. cross‑party pressure from MPs elected, so the line between and a recognition that sharing democracy and autocracy OVERCOMING CHALLENGES Britain’s democratic experience appears blurred; and TO IMPROVE CITIZENS’ LIVES – good and bad – could help • the combination of Our expertise runs both others build their democratic digital technologies and wide and deep, way beyond institutions and practices. post‑industrial societies has Westminster itself. We rely fractured some traditional on parliamentary clerks in pillars of political power, all four UK parliaments and with vacuums being filled assemblies, political party by groups with no developed officials from across the country, respect for political norms. local government staff, the It is in this context that WFD Electoral Commission, Select works in over 40 countries Committee Chairs, civil society around the world to promote organisations and other arm’s democratic values and freedoms. length bodies to share their experiences with counterparts and overcome the challenges we face.

A delegation from the Parliament of Myanmar visits the National Assembly of South Africa to learn more about post‑Apartheid education policy, 26 April 2019 12 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

But how do we overcome the By supporting the Arab League, BUILDING EFFECTIVE challenges to democracy that in creating the first‑ever INSTITUTIONS we see in our work? WFD has regional commitment to end Our other main response is two main responses, based gender‑based violence, we are related to the acknowledgement on our own experience and providing a legal framework to that democracy is always a work on the evidence from the protect women from violent in progress. The key ingredients democracy support community, atrocities. of democracy are effective and including ‘thinking and working In the Western Balkans, accountable institutions, and politically’. funded by the Conflict, leadership. We work to support First, we know that the demand Stability and Security Fund, both. Institutions build resilience for democracy remains high we are improving women’s by embedding norms and in every region of the world. A representation in politics in standards and bridging periods wide range of surveys reflect the Bosnia and Herzegovina through of weak leadership. immediate demands in a society our programme ‘More than a For example, we help to – for peace and security when quota’. And we are helping build effective institutions by there is conflict; for jobs when organisations in Serbia address strengthening the role that there is high unemployment and the structural factors that parliamentary committees poverty; and for freedom when contribute to high levels of play in holding governments there is repression. But there youth emigration. to account by building bridges is also a strong and consistent This list could continue. But the between UK institutions and desire for the ability to take main point here is that, although our counterparts abroad. decisions about our own lives, governments in democratic An instance of this is when to prevent the abuse of power countries have a much better we brought legislators from by elites, and to have justice track record, we now also Armenia to the Scottish systems that treat people fairly know that democracy does not and Welsh parliaments for and equally. guarantee peace or jobs, and we workshops on financial Those are the building should not assume that it does oversight, so they could see how blocks of democracy, and by or promise that it will. Peace our public spending procedures supporting democracy and and jobs come as the result of worked. good governance we are helping good policy-making, and that Strengthening institutions to improve people’s lives. is why we help them get their requires long-term investment policy-making right. By helping create better laws and patience, which is why we in Myanmar, we are improving combine these workshops with the lives of countless citizens ongoing, long-term support. and helping them and their MPs overcome 70 years of military rule.

Although governments in democratic countries have a much better track record, we now also know that democracy does not guarantee peace or jobs

Berliners stand on a section of the Berlin Wall, two days after the fall of the GDR on 11 November 1989 © Agencja Fotograficzna Caro CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 13

WHY LEADERSHIP? what is being perceived as the Leadership is also critical in current environmental crisis, The second essential ingredient addressing what we see as of democracy is effective our new work on what we call a fundamental objective of leadership. However, democratic ‘environmental democracy’ will democracy, namely inclusion. help build institutions’ ability institutions such as parliaments For too many people in the and political parties can require to enact laws to protect the world, our democratic systems even more patience, because environment that they have their leadership can change already introduced. We have are fine in theory but flawed in frequently, and their role and found that many countries need practice. In different ways, these authority can shift during a a helping hand in ensuring that people do not have the power to political cycle. they meet the green eco-targets participate in political activities When momentum for political set in international accords or to influence decisions that change builds, whether during such as the Paris Agreement. affect their lives, whether Helping governments implement an election, conflict, economic because they are a woman, not crisis or otherwise, institutions this change will have lasting, rich, LGBTQ, disabled, young or can play their part, but only positive effects on our planet, leadership can determine how and is important ahead of the the ‘wrong ethnicity’. Until this that momentum will be used. upcoming UN climate change changes, democracies will be For example, in response to conference, COP25. both flawed and vulnerable. I have repeatedly heard and seen from partners in other countries that Britain’s democratic culture remains an invaluable resource

That is why inclusion is an increasingly central part of our work and took centre stage last year when we co‑organised the Women MPs of the World conference in the House of Commons. This marked the centenary year of women’s suffrage in the UK, bringing together women This period has also been We are a diverse country with parliamentarians from 100 eventful for our domestic all too recent experience of countries to discuss how to politics. However, I have internal and external conflict, further empower them to drive repeatedly heard and seen rapid economic change and change. from partners in other countries significant political challenges. that Britain’s democratic This is not just about EU Exit PERSONAL REFLECTIONS culture remains an invaluable but also about climate change, resource for them as they counter-terrorism and our Over the five years since I seek to strengthen their complex constitutional and joined WFD we have tripled democratic practices. Only last national structures. With that the number of our staff and January (2019), the Speaker in mind, perhaps above all for widened the scope, depth and of the Sri Lankan Parliament WFD, the task of retaining number of programmes we told us that during Sri Lanka’s public confidence in our own implement. However, this comes constitutional crisis in late 2018 political institutions is vital. with considerable obstacles, they looked to Westminster’s Whatever some might have as the organisation’s internal rules of procedure to find a thought in November 1989 structures must match the rate diplomatic solution. It is worth when the Berlin Wall fell, and scale of external growth. remembering, given the current democracy is not inevitable, That is why we began an political climate, that internal and the demand for support to internal change programme divisions can have an impact strengthen democratic systems to upgrade our systems and on how we are viewed overseas, remains high. I believe the UK is processes, better support hindering government’s ability uniquely well-placed to respond staff, and increase the trust to strengthen democracy around to this demand through WFD and confidence of our donors, the world and making the policy and many other institutions. while investing in better tools approach less cohesive. to deliver quality programmes. CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 15

CREATING BETTER LAWS IN MYANMAR TO IMPROVE CITIZENS’ LIVES Through WFD’s DFID-funded programme, we are helping Hluttaw affairs committees Myanmar’s Parliament (Hluttaw) with former committee create better laws, be more chairs from the UK and the representative, support poverty wider region. Committees on reduction, conflict resolution education, health and natural and economic growth, and hold resources and the environment the Government to account. were supported to launch The goal is to improve the lives inquiries and conduct oversight of countless citizens and help of the government in key policy them and their MPs overcome areas. 70 years of military rule. Committees started gathering WFD’s support is in its fourth evidence, conducting fact‑finding consecutive year, following the visits and public hearings, and 2015 Myanmar general election developing committee reports and the transition to the and recommendations. The government led by the National public hearings of the education League for Democracy. The committee in March 2019 were transition has been marked by the first of their kind in the significant challenges, raising Hluttaw – a significant move questions about the nature of towards opening its work political change in Myanmar to citizens. and the direction in which it Our programme is supported by is heading. partners the House of Commons Last year, WFD focused on and the British Council, and Jordanian MP Wafaa Bani Mustafa promoting accountability a new programme has been (centre), Chair of the coalition of through expanding its agreed with DFID for 2019 Women MPs to Combat Violence Against Women in Politics, with committee mentorship to 2021. (right) Dina Melhem, Director of programme, which pairs MENA, WFD, and Lyn Brown MP.

HELPING THE ARAB LEAGUE the Middle East and North Violence Against Women in TACKLE VIOLENCE AGAINST Africa region, Dr Dina Melhem, Politics, echoed this belief in WOMEN has worked closely with the an event WFD organised in coalition since it was formed. the House of Commons for WFD supports the Arab League the All‑Party Parliamentary in creating an international The convention is progressing Group on Democracy in the agreement that will set out rapidly through the Arab League World, saying: “If we want to be ways to combat violence and is being considered by the remembered by Arab women, against women and girls in league’s Women’s Committee. we need to protect their rights. the Arab world. It is likely to be adopted soon. “We all have responsibilities in The Arab Convention to Combat WFD believes legislatures can Parliament towards women in Violence Against Women is the play a crucial role in establishing our society. We need to create first-ever regional commitment a legal environment that a fairer, more just environment, to end gender-based violence. It protects women from violence. not just in Arab countries but was developed with the support Jordanian MP Wafaa Bani around the world.” of a coalition of women MPs Mustafa, Chair of the coalition from across the Arab world. of Women MPs to Combat WFD’s Regional Director for 16 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

FINDING THE ‘UNICORNS’: BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE IN GOVERNMENT GROWS UP

David Halpern, CEO, Behavioural Insights Team

A key point about the testing and trialling that BIT has helped to popularise is that quite often things don’t work

Manufacturers have taken 45 million kg of sugar out of drinks every year CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 17

This September, the UK hosted the international Behavioural Exchange conference at the QEII Centre in central London, with more than 1,000 delegates from more than 60 countries. The scale and energy of the event is t is nearly a decade since the a good indication of how the UK IUK Government became the is seen as a world leader in this first in the world to set up a field. The event also provided an team dedicated to applying opportunity to reflect, a decade behavioural science to public on, on the impact behavioural policy issues. It’s not even a science has had. teenager yet, but it’s been How is it evolving, and what will around long enough to gain it have an impact on next? a sense of impact. It was in the wake of the 2010 THE ‘UNICORNS’ OF election that David Cameron BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE and Nick Clegg set up the POLICY IMPACT Behavioural Insights Team To borrow a phrase from (BIT) in No. 10. business, a policy ‘unicorn’ In 2014, BIT was turned into is one that has had an impact a social purpose company – of more than £1 billion. Of co‑owned by the Cabinet Office, course, most successful policy the innovation charity Nesta and interventions have many employees – to serve a wider partners. But if we set the test range of public sector partners. that the intervention was very In recent years, there’s also unlikely to have happened been a flourishing of in-house without a major push from behavioural insights teams within behavioural science, then how Whitehall and public sector many unicorns can behavioural bodies, and in other countries. science now claim? By this criterion, in under a decade, behavioural science can already lay claim to at least half a dozen.

WHAT IS BEHAVIOURAL SCIENCE? Covering a range of academic disciplines that include behavioural economics and and society. BIT places a social psychology, behavioural particular emphasis on testing science’s guiding theme is to and trialling interventions in understand how and why people real policy settings through actually make decisions. randomised controlled trials The Behavioural Insights (RCTs). These trials show how Team (BIT) uses insights from effective a new intervention behavioural science to inform is, relative to what would have policies that encourage, enable happened otherwise. or support people to make Governments are increasingly better choices for themselves using behavioural insights to design, enhance and reassess their policies and services. 18 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

Policy Impact Detail

Pensions In the UK, roughly 10 million Switching the default from opt-in to opt-out, defaults more people making additional starting from 2012 in the UK. Around 90% of eligible savings of roughly £20 billion workers stick with the default. Derived from the each year. work of Thaler and Benartzi.

Energy use Typically, a 2% reduction per Giving households feedback on their energy use home, with a cumulative impact relative to more efficient neighbours. Derived from of £2 billion saved on energy the work of Bob Cialdini, and popularised by the bills since 2008. company Opower.

Tax Initial BIT work brought forward Large numbers of trials across the world testing compliance an estimated £200 million in clearer ‘calls to action’ through to social norms. the first two years. Subsequent Many designed by BIT, and directly by HMRC (in work in the UK and overseas UK) in recent years. is thought to have brought forward well over £1 billion.

Sugar levy 50% of manufacturers have Sugar consumption is a major contributor to reformulated their drinks, diabetes (costing more than £12 billion per annum taking 45 million kg of sugar alone), obesity, tooth decay, etc. Field trials and out of drinks every year. This is modelling from 2014 onwards provided evidence estimated to give a QALY1 gain for a policy shift. of over £3 billion.

THE NEXT TIER OF WINNERS 10% and 20%. They can also 1 The quality-adjusted life year (QALY) help with medical compliance – is a generic measure of disease In addition to these most burden, including both the quality that is, whether the patient will famous, high-impact, and the quantity of life lived. It is used take their pills when they get in economic evaluation to assess the behaviourally based home – and encourage people value for money of medical interventions. interventions (see table), there One QALY equates to one year in to make lifestyle changes. The is a vibrant tier of interventions perfect health. latter include making fitbit‑style that are converging on the technology more likely to lead unicorn level. There are to increased exercise (especially hundreds of successful trials among the least fit). and interventions, but for this bracket a suitable criterion is Nudges have proved effective that the behaviourally based on clinicians, as well as on their intervention has been replicated patients. The BIT trial, with the at least three times over, and help of the Chief Medical Officer, ideally across several countries. to lower use of antibiotics by high‑prescribing GPs (by HEALTHCARE pointing out their prescription rate relative to other GPs and Healthcare provides a lot of suggesting other strategies) ‘winners’ in this category. For has now been replicated and example, there have been extended into other countries, multiple replications of BIT’s helping in the battle against early work to show that simple antimicrobial resistance. tests and prompts can reduce missed medical appointments, from routine outpatient clinics to cancer screening, by between CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 19

In under a decade, behavioural science can already lay claim to at least half a dozen policy unicorns

WELFARE Welfare provides another area where early BIT-led results in the UK have been replicated a regional ‘step wedge’ trial and spread. in the county, before being An early collaboration between rolled out across the UK to BIT and DWP led to the finding reach 2.4 million jobseekers that jobseekers could be back a year. to work between two and four The intervention is particularly days faster by making a simple helpful to the most change to what Jobcentre ‘disorganised’ jobseekers. It Plus advisers ask. Instead of was also found to boost the asking jobseekers what jobs wellbeing of the JCP advisers they looked for in the previous themselves. In the years since, week – standard practice for this intervention has been several decades – jobseekers replicated and implemented in were instead prompted to think Australia, Singapore and, most about what, when and how they recently, Moldova in Eastern planned to look for a job in the Europe. The outcome of this coming week. Giving households feedback on their latest replication? Jobseekers energy use relative to more efficient The effect of this change were about 5% more likely to be neighbours helps reduce domestic was first demonstrated in a off benefits after three months energy use randomised control trial in a – very similar, if not a little more single Jobcentre in Loughton, pronounced, than the effect Essex, and then replicated in found in Loughton. 20 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

The fact is, human behaviour lies at the heart of almost every policy challenge CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 21

WHAT’S A REASONABLE early, robust testing of policy HIT RATE? ideas saves us all a fortune by stopping the adoption at larger The UK’s BIT has now scale of plausible but ineffective conducted several hundred ideas. Testing, in effect, reduces trials. Many are now also being policy and political risk. conducted by other behavioural insights teams, and the growing WHAT NEXT? band of What Works Centres and the Whitehall Trial Advisory The BX2019 event provided Panel (TAP) are also pushing a peek into the range of areas up trials. Senior figures in the where behavioural science new No. 10 and Treasury teams is now being applied. These are also known to be strong include: boosting productivity advocates of systematic testing and economic growth; and trialling. increasing social cohesion; combating fake news; lifting A key point about the testing social mobility; and saving and trialling that BIT has helped the planet. to popularise is that quite often things don’t work. This shouldn’t Speakers included Nobel be surprising, but it can be Laureate Bob Shiller on quite tough to take. The hit rate ‘narrative economics’ – how can also be obscured by the what we say and believe selective reporting and attention changes the course of the given to things that work economy; Betsy Paluck on compared to those that didn’t. prejudice, conflict and what As is sometimes said, successes to do about it; favourites such have many parents (who talk as Cass Sunstein, the original about them a lot), while failures co-author of Nudge (and my are orphaned. opposite number in the White House), Katy Milkman and Looking across the whole Dan Ariely; rising stars such landscape, and particularly as Seth Stephens-Davidowitz drawing on institutions that (author of Everybody Lies); publish all of their results, Mitesh Patel on health; and suggests that fewer than 1 in 4 Sarah Heller on crime. Of interventions prove statistically course, we had many of our successful. For example, the own leading figures too, from recently launched Youth EDUCATION Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Endowment Fund (focused Sedwill to Government Chief Another exciting application on reducing youth crime and Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick of behavioural science has been violence) expects no more Vallance, as well as colleagues in education. The success of than 20% of its innovative from behavioural insights teams BIT interventions to boost the interventions to succeed. attendance and pass rates of across Whitehall. To some, this might seem a teenagers retaking maths and If you missed it, don’t worry. shockingly low figure. But the English exams (noting that You can watch presentations quest here is for policy unicorns. UK 16-year-olds who fail these and events online. They give a are now required to retake), Imagine that we run 100 tests great sense of the vibrancy and has attracted considerable of new interventions. If we do it excitement in the field, and of international attention. right, the cost is low. If just 20 of the huge range of areas that Interventions range from asking these give us significant positive behavioural scientists are now young people to nominate two results, they pay – many times focusing on. ‘study supporters’, who then over – for the 80 that didn’t The fact is, human behaviour get texts telling them what work. And, if they produce even lies at the heart of almost every the young person is studying a single billion-pound unicorn, policy challenge. Whether in college that week (and how they’ve paid for every trial and you are a young civil servant, they might help them), through every run. to motivational exercises the academic or practitioner, student can do themselves at the There’s also value in identifying behavioural science and college. These interventions have the interventions that didn’t experimentation is opening been found to boost attendance work. As Sir Chris Wormald, up new tools and approaches by between 5% and 15%, and head of the Civil Service policy to increase your impact on the pass rates by up to 30%. profession, has observed, world for good. Be a part of it! 22 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

ADAPTING OUR APPROACH TO DELIVERING MAJOR PROJECTS

Nick Smallwood, CEO, Infrastructure and Projects Authority (IPA)

Elizabeth Line (Crossrail) carriages under test in Derby CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 23

he vast ambition and scale Tof projects and programmes being developed and delivered right across government is It is probable that over the next truly impressive. They range few years the Government Major from transforming vital Projects Portfolio (GMPP) will public services, to building grow in size, with upcoming our infrastructure across priorities such as (carbon) the country, to delivering NetZero 2050, a new Spending EU Exit, with project delivery Review reflecting government professionals working daily priorities and EU Exit. on implementing government’s We are doing a lot and we are top priorities. ambitious with these projects, often delivering ground- breaking technologies. At the same time we are aware of the challenges facing us on some of the biggest projects, so this is an opportune moment to pause. We must develop strategies to Since 2010, over address these challenges and to be ever more successful in 4,900 infrastructure delivering better outcomes. projects have been To improve delivery, with plans that are stretching but also completed, including realistic, we need to make sure we learn lessons from projects 400 in the last that have gone before and that 12 months we apply those lessons to future projects. From our position at the centre of government, the IPA has been working closely with some of the biggest and most timely portfolios, doing exactly this.

CROSS-GOVERNMENT TRANSFORMATION PORTFOLIO The sheer scope, scale and complexity of this portfolio is extraordinary. All these projects are designed to transform services for citizens, improving government efficiency and implementing new policy. 24 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

While the portfolio spend INFRASTRUCTURE AND But you cannot simply flick a may be less than that on CONSTRUCTION PORTFOLIO switch and fix some of these infrastructure, the benefits of issues. It will require a change In the infrastructure space, transformation can be huge, in behaviour and culture from all there is no doubt that the and delivering these projects parties, both public and private. construction industry is in a incredibly challenging. By fairly febrile state, with the This resonates with some recent their very nature, complex demise of Carillion casting a analysis we have undertaken transformations usually involve long shadow over the market’s with the Department for significant organisational and ability to deliver. Transport on learning lessons cultural change, introducing from major projects. I would new ways of working and Learning Legacy websites highlight three of the lessons experimenting with new and have been set up for a number we have learned: innovative technology. of government’s major infrastructure projects, including 1. Behaviours and culture The IPA has been working with London 2012, Crossrail and are just as important as the wider centre on this type the Thameslink programme. process. You can have of programme, specifically For example, a review of the a perfectly designed to support departments in delivery model used on Crossrail governance structure, but maximising the delivery of identified a number of lessons the management of a project these benefits. learned or recommendations comes down to the people One important lesson we have for future major infrastructure working in it. learned is that programmes projects, including that: 2. We need to ‘get real’ with do not always give sufficient • adequate time be provided optimism bias, paying closer thought to the effort and to think through a detailed attention when things are time required for changing execution strategy before going well. It’s easy to forget behaviours. The IPA has been a robust plan or programme to apply the same care and supporting programmes is developed; attention to detail as we to improve the likelihood do when we worry about a • client objectives must be clearly of successful delivery by project. encouraging a real focus on cascaded down the entire 3. We need to put greater people and behaviour change supply chain to align effort; focus on systems integration, from the outset. • the use of effective as complex technology is competition in the It is also important to highlight playing an increasing role supply chain will result in that transformation programmes in our big infrastructure improvements in overall are often iterative in nature. projects. To be frank, the performance; and They provide value throughout industry needs to develop their lifecycle and typically last • planning for the testing, the right skills, as it’s longer than a single Spending commissioning and handover an industry that’s been Review period. of complex projects should associated with just diggers be accomplished as early and concrete for too long. This means the IPA encourages as possible. Productivity can and must programmes to consider how While these lessons cannot improve. they can deliver benefits be applied universally, there throughout the duration of the were shared features that it project, rather than in a single is important to learn from ‘Big Bang’ event. Embedding and apply. this principle gives space for programmes to iterate and learn from their own lessons and to improve each stage of delivery. We need to grow our capability in programme delivery and recognise the differences between delivery of a single entity and the complexity of programme and portfolio management. Elizabeth Line carriages under test in Derby

transformation team and other 7 LENSES OF MATURITY The Defence Learning and key corporate groups, they The IPA and GDS supported Management Capability were able to hold more focused the Home Office to create Programme at the Ministry discussions. By applying the the 7 Lenses of Maturity of Defence (MOD) is one such 7 Lenses and understanding Matrix. This is a practical team. Using the matrix, the their maturity against it, MOD tool to help teams reflect on programme found that by was able to identify the areas their transformation, focus having representatives from that needed the most attention discussions and identify which each of the armed forces and highlight those where they areas need more attention. in the room, alongside the could learn lessons. 26 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

Picking out these lessons is We are already starting to see Building on that approach, the easy part. Applying them positive changes to our ways the IPA has explored critical in practice is more difficult. of working, particularly with issues that cut across several If we are to deliver the next the delivery of EU Exit. There is programmes and departments generation of infrastructure no doubt that from a delivery to support government’s projects well, and sustain point of view, the legacy will efforts to ensure joined‑up our £600 billion National be profound. delivery. In doing so, the Infrastructure and Construction IPA has highlighted critical IPA support and assurance for Pipeline of investment, we need dependencies and improved EU Exit has focused on the to get this right. deliverability across the most critical programmes. We operational landscape by We are clear that there’s no have, as always, looked at the actively encouraging and silver bullet for delivering major programme’s ability to deliver supporting joined-up delivery. infrastructure projects to time on its scope. This independent and budget. Much of what assessment continues to we want to achieve is about provide programmes with the driving a culture change across recommendations they need government and the industry to progress towards successful over the long term, sticking to and timely delivery. clear principles that align with However, I want to stress that successful outcomes. programmes do not exist in a vacuum, and we recognise EU EXIT the hard work across all Despite our successes and government departments. improvements we now need to We must keep in mind apply our focus – we still have a the wider project delivery way to go. The IPA is committed system and the readiness of to continually improving project stakeholders to interact with delivery in government and, in what the programmes deliver. the last year alone, just under Consequently, the focus has a third of all GMPP projects been on overall readiness, not have improved their delivery only programme delivery. confidence.

Summary of the 2018-19 GMPP

Government Major GMPP 133 £442 bn Projects Portfolio projects Whole Life Cost

This comprises Transformation and 43 £84 bn Service Delivery projects Whole Life Cost

Information and Communications 27 £10 bn Technology (ICT) projects Whole Life Cost

Infrastructure and Construction 32 £210 bn projects Whole Life Cost

Military Capability 31 £138 bn projects Whole Life Cost CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 27

One important lesson is that programmes do not always give sufficient thought to effort and time required for changing behaviours

CONCLUSION Finally, we must not lose sight of the fact that the UK is globally renowned for its projects and we must be proud of our delivery record. Since 2010, over 4,900 infrastructure projects have been completed, including 400 in the last 12 months. But delivering all major technology.Lessons learned projects is a challenge, from cross‑government especially during this critical transformation programmes time. This extraordinary The IPA has not done this alone. highlight the importance of period in government calls for We have worked closely with factoring in enough time to extraordinary ways of working functional colleagues, DExEU embed new ways of working on all of our major portfolios. and Border Delivery Group as enabled by technologies, which That is why it is more important part of a combined effort from the programme is building in. than ever that we learn lessons the centre. The learnings and from what has come before. Right across government successes in this space will you can see the results of We will need to work influence the way we and others being challenged to work together in a productive work, well beyond EU Exit. differently. Working differently and delivery‑focused way, Working in this joined‑up way has improved the ability to with a strong focus on has been critical to success deliver as it has meant more outcomes, in order to achieve on a number of programmes. meaningful engagement, more all we have set out to do. No The Future Borders programme, efficient ways of working and amount of energy and good which seeks to make better outcomes for this vital intent is worth anything without improvements at the UK border endeavour. an impact on outcomes. to benefit government, industry, From my short time in As the centre of project, traders and travellers, found government so far, I would portfolio and programme that engagement is critical say that it is crucial that we management expertise, I believe to success. now invest in the skills and that to take the IPA forward It was only by working with capability to drive and embed it is crucial we focus on the departments and agencies these new ways of working. three ‘P’s: People, Performance that have either an operational This investment will not and Principles. This will be my or policy interest in the happen overnight, but we are priority in the immediate future, border that the programme going in the right direction and I look forward to leading developed projects looking towards delivering on the top the IPA as the future project into the use of innovative government priorities. delivery landscape unfolds. 28 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 SPOTLIGHT: NEXT STEPS AND CHALLENGES FOR CIVIL SERVICE DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Melanie Dawes, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government

We must stand by our commitment to listen to those groups for whom the traditional diversity and inclusion agenda hasn’t yet done enough CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 29

ecently, I marked 30 years in Rthe Civil Service, and it’s fair to say that a lot has changed since I started. The workplace of 1989 was much more formal; the use of surnames and titles was routine, there were few open-plan offices and it was Better diversity and rare to see women in senior representation alone positions. That was obvious to me in every meeting I attended, doesn’t make an inclusive and for many years I felt that I was noticed as a woman first, workplace. We must pay and for my skills and expertise second. just as much attention to We’ve come a long way since how people feel about the then and there’s no doubt in my mind that the Civil Service culture and environment has changed for the better. We are much more open to ideas where they work from outside, and to diversity of thought and experience. There is much greater equality for women, across all grades, and diversity is improving on other measures too. But for all our progress, we’ve MEASURING INCLUSION got much more to do to meet will have heard senior leaders our ambition to be the UK’s talking about their personal In recent years we’ve worked to most inclusive employer. I’m experiences. I’ve invited two create a cross-Civil Service data continually struck by the more colleagues to share their pack that reflects the makeup of genuine commitment and stories here (see below). our workforce and has provided energy of colleagues across accountability for senior leaders the Civil Service – you will not WHY INCLUSION MATTERS on progress. I’m pleased that allow us to become complacent. TO ME we’re starting to open this up Among the permanent more widely – to departmental For a number of years now, our secretaries, there is clear boards, functions and employee aim has been to become the support and agreement for our networks. The first step is for UK’s most inclusive employer. vision and priorities. everyone to know how they There’s no doubt that the scale compare with their peers. Since becoming Civil Service of this ambition is huge, and Diversity and Inclusion progress can only be driven by But better diversity and Champion in May, I have been the hard work of thousands of representation alone don’t working with colleagues to civil servants passionate about make an inclusive workplace. To re-energise our efforts. We’ve making a difference. become the UK’s most inclusive agreed we need to hold each employer we must pay just as I’m proud that we have other to account with a clearer much attention to how people increased representation of set of standards for how we run feel about the culture and women in senior roles over the our departments. We need to environment where they work. course of my career. What’s make better use of the data, so maybe less well-known is where The Civil Service HR Diversity we can compare performance. we’ve been leaders in other and Inclusion Team is leading We need to improve our areas, for example introducing some truly innovative work to understanding of cultures. name-blank recruitment, improve our understanding And we must stand by our gender-balanced interview of this. In partnership with commitment to listen to those panels and pioneering work the Behavioural Insights Team groups for whom the traditional to measure socio-economic and the Chartered Institute diversity and inclusion agenda background. It’s thanks to these for Personnel Development, hasn’t yet done enough. innovations and many more the team has developed an If you attended the Great Place that we generally benchmark industry-first diagnostic tool to Work plenary sessions this well against similar private and to measure how inclusive a year at Civil Service Live, you public sector organisations. working environment really is. 30 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

This will give us an insight into PROGRESS ON DIVERSITY also increased within each how it feels to sit in different AND INCLUSION grade, with the largest parts of the Civil Service – so increases since 2018 at HEO/ • Senior Civil Service (SCS) that civil servants, managers SEO (+1.0pp) and Grades 6/7 flow targets are having and leaders everywhere can (+1.0pp) for ethnic minorities, the desired impact: ethnic take the actions they need and at AA/AO (+2.0pp) and minority SCS representation to improve their own working HEO/SEO (+1.9pp) grades is at 6.0%, up from 4.7% environments. for those declared disabled. when the targets were set Recently, over 75,000 in 2017, and disabled SCS • The Civil Service median colleagues from across the representation is at 5.2%, up gender pay gap, for full-time Civil Service have taken from 3.4%. equivalent staff, has been on a downward trend since part in the first stage of this • Representation is on an 2008, falling from 18.2% to work, completing a survey upward trend across the Civil 11.1% in 2019. The SCS is now on workplace culture. This Service, with representation 45.0% female. information is now being of ethnic minority, declared compiled with other data disabled and LGBO (Lesbian, • At every grade, leavers are sources, including reports Gay, Bisexual or Other less likely to be from ethnic of bullying, harassment and (non‑heterosexual)) civil minorities than entrants. This discrimination, turnover and servants at record highs ranges from EO grade, where retention rates. We’ll be sharing (at 6.0%, 5.2% and 4.9% 20.1% of entrants and 13.6% the results early in the new year. respectively). of leavers are from an ethnic minority, to 15.9% of entrants • Representation of ethnic to Grades 6/7 and 9.4% minority civil servants and of leavers. civil servants who have declared a disability has

Unless we talk about – and count – those with protected characteristics, we won’t understand how to make institutions like the Civil Service more spoken much about my South Asian background at work inclusive – I’ve found it a bit hard to talk about for a few reasons. ALISON ISMAIL, DIRECTOR While I’m hugely supportive OF AGRI-FOOD CHAIN, of BAME networks in the DEPARTMENT FOR THE workplace and initiatives like ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND Project Race, I can’t imagine RURAL AFFAIRS putting myself forward for a I’m not white, I risk stealing the I’ve always been able to ‘pass’. leading role in them, for some voice of those who are from More or less. I’m the child of a good – and some less good – wholly BAME backgrounds. Bangladeshi father and a White reasons. But I’m also a big believer that British mother. Whereas my I remember a former line unless we talk about – and twin brother looks exactly like manager turning down the count – those with protected my dad as a younger man, with Accelerate scheme on my characteristics, we won’t ever relatively dark skin and hair, I behalf, assuring HR that I wasn’t really understand how to make happen to resemble our mother, BAME. He apologised when I institutions like the Civil Service with brown eyes, hair more explained, but there was still more inclusive. At times that brown than black, and a much a lingering question of ‘what will mean we have to struggle lighter skin tone. problem was I trying to solve?’, to some degree with questions It doesn’t occur to most people being someone who doesn’t of self-definition. And yet, that I might be BAME, or dual- necessarily look noticeably the more we can explore the heritage, or mixed White-Asian, ‘different’, whatever my cultural diversity within diversity, or whatever you like to call background. I also sometimes deeper and more meaningful it. And until recently I haven’t worry that by telling people conversations will take place. CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 31

By opening up, I helped senior FIVE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE management realise that not TO HELP US BECOME THE every characteristic is visible. UK’S MOST INCLUSIVE EMPLOYER And that’s when I started to talk about my mental health. Blogging The progress we’ve made about my depression prompted a to date on diversity and phenomenal response. I learned inclusion has been the that being open about mental result of consistent action health really matters. by passionate individuals and groups across the Civil Service, over many years. IAIN BELL, DEPUTY Here are five ways you can NATIONAL STATISTICIAN, help on each of our priorities: OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS 1. Making use of data: I learned that Remember to fill in your For a long time, I disassociated diversity data on staff my work life and being gay, being open systems so that we can and kept my mental health understand the true problems fairly private. about mental picture. Ask your senior My views on diversity and health really leaders for data on how inclusion have shifted over the your department compares years. The biggest change was matters with others and get curious my mindset. I felt I had to fight about what it’s telling you! to get where I am and it didn’t 2. Consistently high make for great leadership. standards: These can be reinforced through simple I no longer think people should actions such as asking have to fight to contribute; we about panel diversity when should be welcoming them in. For me to really understand, engage, and help others as a you’re asked to speak The first step I took on this senior leader, I need to hear at an event, or giving journey was when I started in the full story, raw. I can deal candidates an insight into the Department for Education. with raw. I have spent my life your background when My opening statement was: “I being quite raw. It’s how many sitting on a recruitment am Iain. I live in Abergavenny of us feel, whether it’s when the panel. If you’re chairing a with my partner Steve and invite says “wives and children panel, make sure you are dog Ben.” It made a difference. welcome”, hiding our partner’s following best practice. Voices who were previously gender, or being told we lack 3. Improving cultures: Help quiet came forward. It enriched resilience rather than being create an open culture by our debates. supported. taking a leaf out of Iain and Alison’s book – share I bring my whole self to work your inclusion experiences because, if I hide it, ONS and with your colleagues, and the Civil Service lose out. I encourage others to do encourage you to do the same. the same. 4. Fostering inclusion: Remember to ask people what helps them feel included; everyone is different and everyone matters. 5. Listening to specific groups: Take a look at active listening techniques and make a conscious effort to understand what people are really saying. Ask questions and be prepared to hear something new, even if makes you a bit uncomfortable. 32 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

MEASURING DEFENCE PRODUCTIVITY: A FIRST STEP

Major Dom Prtak, Finance & Military Capability, Ministry of Defence

The central obstacle to measuring productivity in Defence is that we deliberately avoid armed conflict other than as a last resort

HMS Queen Elizabeth sailing from her home in Portsmouth for the first time after being officially commissioned into the Royal Navy CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 33

INTRODUCTION The most obvious productivity The productivity of any entity measurement problem for that contributes to a larger Productivity growth is essential. the public sector is that the whole is inherently hard to It is the only sustainable way goods and services that it assess, unless sub-outputs to raise living standards over provides are not sold at market can be accurately isolated and the long term. Efforts to boost values. Rather, they are often valued. Although there are it across the whole economy distributed via non-market limited parallels with advanced must include the public sector. administrative mechanisms, manufacturing processes, or Measuring it for government or implemented directly large businesses operating agencies and services, without payment by users or across multiple industry however, is not straightforward. beneficiaries. This deprives sectors, the public sector is This article considers the analysts of the output valuation relatively more exposed to this measurement of Defence that selling an end product measurement issue. productivity, and outlines how provides. Substitutes, such as some recent work might be willingness-to-pay assessments, MEASURING DEFENCE applied more widely. are usually inferior to ‘hard’ PRODUCTIVITY The central obstacle to sales-based data as a basis for Turning to productivity measuring productivity in value estimation. measurement problems specific Defence is that we deliberately Second, the social problems to Defence, the first major – and entirely understandably – that government aims to tackle challenge revolves around the avoid armed conflict other than are generally more complex contingent nature of its outputs. as a last resort. Furthermore, than the operations of a profit- Defence assets, including we would ideally like to fulfil the seeking business. Providing manned ships and aircraft, and Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu’s public services and national land forces held at readiness to maxim that “the supreme art infrastructure, or conducting deploy, are designed to perform of war is to subdue the enemy military operations, are long- their core roles in situations that without fighting”.1 Deterring term engagements. Results very rarely occur and which aggression by visible military may not be apparent for years, the authorities purposefully strength is preferable to war. even decades, and will then be avoid. This creates management However, we want to ensure hard to evaluate against shifting issues far bigger than just that the significant resources2 goals and changes in society. productivity measurement, devoted to maintaining military The relationship between the around motivating employees, capabilities are spent effectively delivery of individual outputs appraising performance, and and deliver value for money. and the achievement of desired providing continuous, rigorous Recent work by the Ministry outcomes is often less clear. and realistic training. However, of Defence (MOD) has used with large parts of the armed A third factor is that, for many a variant of the Public Sector forces untested in battle for government agencies, including Efficiency Group3 (PSEG) decades, there is inevitably the the MOD, the effects they conceptual model to benchmark unknowable element of how seek depend upon large-scale British capabilities against they would have performed coordination and integration of international peers. in a hypothetical conflict, and disparate activities and systems consequently of how productive to produce a combined effect or MEASURING PRODUCTIVITY Defence expenditure really is.4 output that exceeds the sum of IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR its inputs. In a military context, Most attempts to evaluate this is known as ‘combined productivity involve some sort arms integration’. The meshing 1The Art of War, Sun Tzu. of measurement difficulty, even of specialist ground troops, 2The MOD budget is currently around for a profit-making private armoured vehicles, fixed- £39 billion per year, representing some enterprise with a simple and rotary-wing air power, 5% of total government expenditure, business model. Quantifying artillery, engineer mobility and and 2% of gross domestic product (GDP). actual - as opposed to countermobility assistance, 3 contracted - hours worked, and and supporting medical, The cross-government group of analysts created by HM Treasury in translating data on turnover, logistical and communication 2014 to develop an evidence-based purchases, pay and profits into arrangements, is required understanding of public sector an output measure, means to defeat a sophisticated productivity. assumptions must be made. adversary. 4The MOD makes extensive use of conflict-orientated modelling and Nevertheless, it is generally simulation, known as ‘wargaming’, possible to compute mainstream to derive best guesses of how British productivity benchmarks, such forces might fare in various scenarios. Significant uncertainty remains, as value added per worker. nevertheless, especially for the largest and most serious potential crises. 34 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

The second measurement severity and combination of regardless of their operational problem for Defence is that both. The fire service also trains effectiveness or ability to inhibit deterrence of hostile actors for catastrophic events, which hostile action. and potential enemies is a key are infrequent. However, it does The MOD’s initiative to outcome. This makes matters not seek a deterrent effect in develop its own productivity worse. Not only does the MOD the way that Defence does. The assessment methodology has have the difficulty of assessing police aim to deter crime, but moved forward in stages. The its operational effectiveness in a can practise their skills, and first step was to identify the range of possible scenarios, but demonstrate the results of their PSEG conceptual framework, there is a further unknowable. work, on a day‑to‑day basis. shown in Figure 1, as a suitable How do potential adversaries starting point. perceive and react to our INTERNATIONAL known military strength, and BENCHMARKING VIA This model was selected how would those perceptions THE PSEG FRAMEWORK because it defines productivity and reactions have changed if clearly and in a way compatible There is a formidable array we had invested in other force with military capability data. It of barriers to the objective structures or weapon systems, also recognises explicitly the measurement of Defence or showcased our armed forces’ important difference between productivity. However, the capabilities differently? outputs and outcomes. statistical default procedure Defence is not alone in facing of equating outputs with inputs 5 these productivity measurement is unsatisfactory. This rates challenges, but it is perhaps military forces by their cost or uniquely affected by the number of people employed,

Figure 1: Public Sector Efficiency Group economic model

ECONOMY PRODUCTIVITY EFFECTIVENESS AND RESILIENCE How cheaply are How much output the inputs being is produced for How do the outputs purchased? each unit of input? affect desired outcomes?

INPUTS OUTPUTS ALLOCATIVE PUBLIC DESIRED EFFICIENCY MONEY OUTCOMES Are the right outputs being INPUTS OUTPUTS produced?

TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY ALLOCATIVE EFFICIENCY

PUBLIC SECTOR EFFICIENCY Relevant to the entire process of turning public money into desired outcomes

5The Office for National Statistics (ONS) uses the volume of inputs as a proxy for output (known as the output = input convention) for government departments and public bodies, including the MOD, whose outputs are not susceptible to direct measurement. This precludes assessment of productivity change. CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 35

Next, the PSEG model was • Assigning costs to inputs It does, however, offer a way adapted to create a Defence- and outputs is ruled out. forward: bespoke variant, as shown in Although some inputs • It should be feasible to Figure 2. can be accurately costed, compute meaningful measurement issues increase Third, we incorporated the output:input ratios for from left to right across the measurement issues discussed individual capabilities over diagram. above. This suggested the sort a selection of key input of analysis that would not work: • A single Defence-wide and output items. This productivity metric is would have the critical • The combination of the impractical, because of the advantage of enabling ‘contingent output’ and ‘combined arms integration’ international comparisons, ‘deterrence’ problems issue and difficulty weighting given that many countries makes it difficult to assess component parts of Defence generate and operate major the conversion of Defence outputs. equipment platforms in outputs into outcomes. similar ways. Attempting to do so would be highly subjective and amount to second-guessing political choices around deployment of the armed forces.

Figure 2: Defence variant of PSEG model

DESIRED MONEY INPUTS OUTPUTS OUTCOMES

Deterrence Defence Military of potential capabilities: infrastructure adversaries and force packages People hostile actors Defence ready to deploy Enemies defeated spending Equipment Enabling via combat and weapons capabilities: operations Consumables facilities to deploy forces Other military activities to support national security

Perceived Procurement and Training and willingness of recruitment integration use and political choices 36 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

The final step to apply the CONCLUSION the results against international Defence productivity model or civilian benchmarks gives an Military deterrence is inherently to an individual capability was indication of how productive difficult – trying to persuade to identify the main inputs the armed forces are. The potential enemies of our forces’ and outputs involved. Figure 3 MOD started to roll it out last potency, while denying them shows this for a specific military year, prioritising expensive opportunities to observe those aircraft. capabilities for which detailed forces in action. Measuring output and input data are The key ratios calculated, and Defence productivity is readily available. compared to data from three correspondingly hard. However, other air forces that operate focusing on a carefully chosen Defence activity will continue it, showed that the UK was set of key output:input ratios for to be stated in the National relatively productive. The RAF individual assets or capabilities Accounts, using the output achieved significantly higher can be the basis for a broader = input convention for the flying hours per aircraft, with productivity narrative. foreseeable future. The a lower maintenance burden approach above is a first step The methodology described and more efficient use of towards addressing the unusual here helps us to understand infrastructure. combination of productivity productivity trends, and testing measurement problems that occur in a Defence context. It may be of interest to other public agencies who undertake contingency planning, or for evaluating influencing activity versus direct intervention. The second measurement problem for Defence is that deterrence of hostile actors and potential enemies is a key outcome

UK F-35B Lightning (II) CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 37

Figure 3: Representative productivity map for operating a military aircraft

DEFENCE MISSIONS AND TASKS

DEPLOYABLE AIRCRAFT

WEAPONS TRAINED LIVE AIRWORTHY SYSTEMS AIRCREW FLYING HOURS AIRCRAFT

SYNTHETIC TRAINED MAINTENANCE FUEL FLYING HOURS TECHNICIANS

TRAINING SPARE PEOPLE INFRASTRUCTURE DEVICES PARTS

DEFENCE SPENDING

Activities Consumables People Durable assets 38 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN PULLINGER, FORMER NATIONAL STATISTICIAN

We have to understand that statisticians are not just calculators. Rather, the statistician’s job is at the heart of democracy CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 39

These new sources have WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST the potential to give us CHANGES YOU’VE up‑to‑the‑minute information SEEN IN THE USE OF about the health of our DATA/STATISTICS IN country’s economy and society GOVERNMENT? that can help policymakers The digital revolution we’ve make decisions that have all experienced has changed real impact. so much in life and my world. The world of statistics in COULD YOU SHARE WHAT WOULD BE government is no exception. YOUR ‘ELEVATOR PITCH’ ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF HOW FOR THE ROLE AND STATISTICS HAVE HELPED TO It’s simply that more data, VALUE OF STATISTICS SHAPE UNDERSTANDING OF in richer and more complex AND STATISTICIANS IN A PROBLEM? forms, is now available than ever before. This offers a PUBLIC LIFE? The recent example I often use huge opportunity, and we is about loneliness. We worked Statistics are a pillar of our are committed to constantly with officials across government society, supporting the innovate to better understand to build a better understanding decisions we make at home our society, our economy and of loneliness across different and at work, as individuals and our own lives. collectively. They are part of the groups. The results were lifeblood of democratic debate. surprising at first, but made As recently as 2016, the Office Good statistics and clear insight sense when you thought for National Statistics (ONS) are a vital public good. They are about them. was publishing around 1,000 data series for trade statistics. our way of gaining insight into We found that younger adults We have now increased this to our society and can be used to reported feeling lonely more over 100,000 to help people ensure everyone is able to make often than older age groups. make better‑informed decisions. good decisions in their lives. We found that people with For that reason we have to limiting conditions, and those But we could do so much more. understand that statisticians are with limited sense of belonging Using real-time information not just calculators. Rather, the to their area, were also more already held by government statistician’s job is at the heart likely to feel lonely. we could understand complex changes to the economy and of democracy. Prior to our analysis, the society faster than ever before. understanding of loneliness was This data could be safely put to COULD YOU SAY MORE largely as an issue that mainly use by official statisticians for ABOUT WHY STATISTICS affected older people. the public good in ways that MATTER? protect confidential personal Statistics matter across the information. policy landscape, whether it be taxes, benefits, interest rates, rail fares or student loans linked to inflation statistics, decisions on the budget linked to following fiscal rules based around GDP or GNI (Gross National Income) data, or resource allocation for schools, hospitals and local authorities Prior to our analysis, using population data. Sometimes, new data changes the understanding the perception of an issue, of loneliness was such as on calorie consumption impacting our understanding as an issue that of obesity, or data on suicides helping to target resources at mainly affected the most vulnerable groups. older people New data sources turn things on their head, starting from the particular question, then thinking, ‘what are the data sources that can answer that question?’, rather than, ‘here’s a survey, what can it tell you about the world?’ 40 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

This richer data would offer These can contain personal HOW ARE WE TACKLING opportunities to improve how information. It is essential that THE CHALLENGE OF we as a country make decisions. this is handled securely and with USING STATISTICS But important responsibilities the respect it deserves. ACROSS DEPARTMENTS This richer data would offer EFFECTIVELY? ONS has a track record for opportunities to improve how this and only using such data The Government Statistical we as a country make decisions. for statistics. It has been Service works across But important responsibilities responsible for the personal departments, and there are also come with accessing data recorded in every Census increasingly good examples of new data. since its inception. bringing data together to paint As a result, I have been a picture of an issue, drawing proud that we have been on all relevant sources. Crime, able to establish the National migration and some aspects of Statistician’s Data Ethics health are good examples, as is Committee. This means the the Ethnicity Facts and Figures public benefits of projects service on GOV.UK. using sensitive data can be We still have a long way to go, rigorously tested out in the The trick for the and often the user has to work open, in a transparent and analyst is to put out how to get different data publicly accountable way. yourself in the sources and then how to join them together. The trick for the HOW IS ONS LEADING position of the user: analyst is to put yourself in the THE WAY? what do they need position of the user: what do The ONS is uniquely placed to know? they need to know? to harness the potential of big data and new data sources to ARE THERE ANY NEW help provide answers to the EXPERIMENTAL USES OF most important questions in STATS THAT EXCITE YOU? Britain today. Experimental uses of We are already delivering statistics are becoming One key reason why we hold new insights into the economy, increasingly common, with personal data is to join multiple about how lives differ across exciting opportunities to help records together from different generations, and about our decision‑making. sources to produce statistics relationships with other nations. beyond what is possible using Experimental superfast GDP We are building expertise the sources in isolation. Again, estimates are giving us new in the innovative application of ONS has a longstanding record ideas about how we can speed data science through our Data of linking data, for example the up our knowledge of changes in Science Campus. This allows Longitudinal Study has been the economy. Satellite data are us to look at new and novel running since the 1970s. helping us understand changes data sources and provides in natural capital. Statistical Harnessing this new data is greater scope to help us answer analysis of text data is being vital to the way we understand questions about, for example, used in a variety of settings, our communities. Crucially, why life expectancy is flatlining, such as assessing the results only through effective about links between ethnicity of a consultation on UK trade. communication of it can we and low pay, and even how the enable government bodies, number of trees on your street public services and the public affects the price of your home. to be equipped to understand With this new data come the data that affects all of us. new responsibilities. Recent developments in technology and statistical techniques also mean we are able to better integrate and analyse large and complex administrative datasets. CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019 41

Tools such as propensity WHAT IS NECESSARY TO HOW DO YOU COUNTER score matching, or predictive CEMENT DATA/STATISTICS AT FAKE NEWS AND THE analytics, are giving new THE HEART OF GOVERNMENT MISREPRESENTATION OF insights into the effectiveness POLICY? FACTS AND STATISTICS? of policies such as academy Communicating evidence The first point is that the analyst schools, or operational activities effectively is as important as the has to take responsibility such as tax gathering or border quantity and quality of evidence for communicating the best control. Often now, experiments itself. I was happy to welcome evidence well, so that it is harder are being rapidly scaled and this year’s Evidence Week in for it to be misrepresented. adopted for wider application. Parliament, an initiative of the This means clarity about findings charity Sense about Science, (and their limitations), great WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM which works to promote the visualisation, and strong use OTHER COUNTRIES? use of science and evidence. of narrative as well as numbers. There are countries who are Over the week we brought When misrepresentation does more advanced than the UK in together parliamentarians occur, it needs to be challenged accessing new data sources and and experts to talk about publicly. We are fortunate to sharing information with their why evidence matters. MPs, have the Office for Statistics national statistics institutes. peers and researchers heard Regulation, as well as other The Digital Economy Act in 2017 from more than 20 different organisations like Full Fact, helped to create the legal basis organisations, on everything who are fearless in doing this to do much more of that here. from children’s mental health in ways that make many of We now have a robust legal and the quality of the air we those tempted to misrepresent framework for taking in valuable breathe, to teams from ONS numbers think twice. new data sets from elsewhere talking about plans for the in government and the private 2021 Census. sector. In our society, it should not be Trustworthiness, quality and acceptable to squander the value are the pillars of the Code opportunity of taking any data of Practice for statisticians already collected and using it introduced two years ago, to produce the best available and will be key to a thriving evidence for the public good. statistical system.

The analyst has to take responsibility for communicating the best evidence well, so that it is harder for it to be misrepresented 42 CIVIL SERVICE QUARTERLY | Issue 21 – October 2019

feel included. It‘s the people model as an inclusive leader”, around you that make work a concluding, “Leaders tend to great place to be. ONS and the have followers not subordinates, Civil Service has been that. and I for one will follow her lead.” Statements like that are what WHAT IS THE STATE OF make everything worthwhile. STATISTICAL LITERACY IN PUBLIC LIFE? AND THE LIGHTER I chaired the Royal Statistical The analyst has MOMENTS...? Society’s Getstats campaign for statistical literacy for to take responsibility My career has been full of three years, and we have a for communicating ‘did that just happen’ moments. widespread problem in the UK. Such as the time I was called to the best evidence brief a minister at short notice In our data-rich world you well, so that it is and, bending down to get some cannot be an effective member harder for it to be papers from a drawer, I split my of society without a good level trousers from seam to seam. of statistical literacy to help misrepresented Quick work with a stapler made you deal with your finances, me decent until I got to the understand risk or be sceptical minister’s office and sat down. about claims made by politicians Ping, ping, ping! Straight face, and advertisers. straight back, regular discussion with the minister. Then, a bit I have been involved with WHAT HAVE BEEN THE HIGHS of an airy feeling as I made my some great programmes for IN YOUR PUBLIC SERVICE way out of the room, carefully journalists, MPs and members LIFE? keeping close to the wall. Back of the Civil Service policy to my desk and out with the profession designed to support Public service is a real privilege. stapler again! them in becoming better at The high points have been this – and their jobs. These where people are recognised programmes are always for the brilliant work they have appreciated. Given this appetite done. In my last month in this to learn, there is scope for job, we had the ONS Excellence every statistician to be a helpful Awards, where colleagues teacher to those who could use nominate each other. numbers better. This year’s leadership award WHAT ARE YOU MOST went to Tina Thomas. In just PROUD OF DURING YOUR 12 months, she transformed the TIME AT ONS? International Passenger Survey. In the first six of those, bullying I am most proud of progress and harassment fell from 22% we have made on diversity and to 17%, and discrimination from inclusion in our workforce. 18% to 14%. Most importantly, There have been some Tina’s actions have brought inspirational initiatives on about a feeling of inclusivity understanding mental health, among our IPS interviewers. helping people in the office to The change in mood is best evidenced by an unsolicited testimonial I received from one of them, who said Tina was “inspirational”, “a role My career has been full of ‘did that just happen’ moments. Such as the time I was called to brief a minister and I split my trousers from seam to seam © Crown copyright 2019 You may re-use this information (excluding images and logos) free of charge in any format or medium, under the terms of the Open Government Licence. To view this licence, visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/2/ or email [email protected]