A former Minister who lead United Kingdom Public Service reform between 2010 and 2015, has been invited back to conduct a review of the Cabinet Office.
Lord Maude (pictured), who as Francis Maude headed the Cabinet Office throughout the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government, has been asked by his successor, Michael Gove, to lead the review.
It is understood Mr Maude has been asked to assess the Department’s efficiency and effectiveness; its relations with other Whitehall Ministries; and its project delivery work, spending controls, commercial functions, property management and human resources.
Officials in the office of Prime Minister, Boris Johnson have privately accused senior Public Servants at the Cabinet Office of being sluggish in their response to the COVID-19 crisis.
“The Cabinet Office simply collapsed when faced with the enormity of Coronavirus,” one official said.
However, others argue that such comments are part of a ploy to deflect attention from the Government’s own poor response to the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Government has appointed a senior Public Servant investigate the response to school examinations amid the pandemic.
Susan Acland-Hood is set to become the Department for Education’s second Permanent Secretary for six weeks.
The move comes after a backlash, then a U-turn over A-Level and General Certificate of Secondary Education results.
The algorithm used to moderate this year’s grades led to thousands of students being downgraded.
Then the Government reverted to teacher assessments to determine marks.
In a statement, the Cabinet Office said Ms Acland-Hood’s appointment would “ensure that the Government is able to respond fully to exam results, whilst also ensuring the return of schools in September”.
London, 23 August 2020
