A new Civil Service Performance Management Policy

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The Civil Service should be characterised by a culture of excellence. The work undertaken by civil servants is some of the most complex, challenging and high stakes in the country. The results of their efforts are felt across society and the economy – from the health and security of the nation to the conditions for innovation and growth, civil servants play a key role in Britain’s prosperity.

Many talented, motivated, and patriotic people work for the Civil Service. However, it is clear from Re:State research and numerous conversations with current and former civil servants that performance management, and in particular those processes related to dealing with poor performers, is not fit for purpose.

Immediate steps to address the Civil Service’s persistent performance issues should include establishing of a single performance management policy across Whitehall, and the implementation of measures specifically targeted at tackling poor performance.

A New Civil Service Performance Management Policy provides a draft cross-Whitehall performance management policy, including measures which correct for the failure of existing policies to adequately address poor performance.

Details related to Re:State's FOI requests are available in Appendix 1.

A draft Performance Improvement Plan template is available in Appendix 2.