Having launched the Capability Reviews in 2005, I am very pleased that the third phase of the programme is underway.
I have found the Capability Reviews to be an invaluable way to drive change in departments. The new wave of Capability Action Plans will build on this progress. With departments leading their own reviews, the process has been further streamlined, enabling actions to be directly integrated into departments’ existing change and continuous improvement plans.
As the Capability Review programme itself continues to attract attention from around the world, I expect that aspects will continue to evolve. However, the purpose will remain the same – to reform and strengthen a Civil Service that is world-class.
Gus O’Donnell, November 2011
Launched in 2005, the Capability Review Programme is part of the wider Civil Service reform agenda and is designed to lead to a Civil Service which is better at delivering public services. The aims of the reviews are to:
- improve the capability of the Civil Service to meet today’s delivery objectives and be ready for the challenges of tomorrow
- assure the public and ministers that the Civil Service leadership is equipped to develop and deliver departmental strategies and
- help departments act on long-term key development areas and therefore provide assurance on future delivery.
The reviews provide an assessment of capability for departments against a model of capability and identify the department’s progress and next steps.
Phase 1 and phase 2 Reviews were carried out by a team of external reviewers. Phase 3 “Capability Action Plan” Reviews are led by a team assembled specifically by the department under review.