Event
16 April, 2026
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The future of Whitehall: In conversation with Cat Little

Whitehall now faces a defining period. A new phase of delivery, challenging fiscal constraints, accelerating technological change, and rising public expectations are placing unprecedented demands on the centre of government. At the same time, Ministers are asking the Civil Service to work differently: coordinating across departmental boundaries, supporting place-based delivery, and shifting from process assurance towards outcomes and impact using ‘test and learn’ approaches.

Progress is visible – from improvements in evaluation and data capability, to early experimentation with AI and digital tools – but there is a growing consensus that more fundamental reform is required. Questions around the role of the centre, the balance between control and delegation, talent and capability, and how Whitehall enables delivery beyond Westminster are now unavoidable.

Re:State is delighted to welcome Cat Little CB, Chief Operating Officer for the Civil Service and Permanent Secretary to the Cabinet Office to discuss how Whitehall should evolve to meet these challenges, including priorities for reform, lessons from recent efforts, and how the centre can better support a more devolved and effective state.

This is a private event which will be held under the Chatham House rule.