In response to pressing challenges such as an ageing population and escalating tax burdens, both Jeremy Hunt and Michael Gove have underscored the imperative of enhancing public sector productivity. However, these endeavours often trigger concerns about potential drawbacks, including worries about service reductions, rushed processes, and unintended consequences.

This paper posits that it is time to transcend the discourse cantered on cost efficiency and embark on a more comprehensive evaluation of organizational productivity and efficacy. The primary aim of this paper is to enrich the ongoing conversation surrounding public sector productivity by delving into various dimensions of the concept and into measurement methodologies. By elucidating the indispensable role of public sector productivity in our daily lives, the paper advocates for a nuanced approach that acknowledges the significance of social value and quality improvements.

Moreover, the paper focuses on specific strategies geared towards increasing productivity - digital transformation and human resources management. It elaborates on the manifold opportunities that originate from these domains and concludes each section with a set of probing questions that are deemed indispensable for steering future cross-governmental assessments of productivity.