The Alternative People Survey

Read the full report  

The civil service is vital to delivering the Government’s priorities – yet it doesn’t have a voice.  

Re:State’s Alternative People Survey offers new insights into how civil servants feel about the culture, capability and performance of Whitehall, directly from those on the inside. Created in partnership with Civil Service World, and drawing on over 1,200 responses, it gives new insights on how officials feel about the work they do and the organisations they work in.  

Despite clear support for innovation and reform, the survey reveals that officials are often frustrated by outdated processes and poor incentives – a reality that risks undermining the Government’s ambitions to rewire the State. 

As ministers pursue major reform agendas – from embracing AI to transforming recruitment – this Survey is a critical contribution to understanding what’s holding the civil service back, and what must change to unleash its potential. 

The State cannot deliver for the public if those within it are not empowered to succeed. Reforming Whitehall must be a central part of national renewal. 

Appendix 1, with data tables showing the demographic and employment breakdown of officials surveyed is linked here.