Successive governments have struggled to tackle many of the biggest policy problems the country faces. This report examines the causes of persistent failures and sets out recommendations as to how government – both ministers and officials – could change to make policy better.

The civil service is central to government in the United Kingdom. But it lacks a clear identity, defined responsibilities and a system of oversight and accountability. This report proposes a new statutory role for the civil service to reflect its permanence, values and objectives, and how it should be run and held to account.

This study demonstrates that while managers are becoming increasingly supportive of flexible working arrangements, managers and employees have different perceptions of employee productivity when work is done remotely.

This report recommends that the Australian government prepare a comprehensive capability assessment for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), followed by a financial plan to match current capability needs.

The annual Report on Government Services (RoGS) provides information on the equity, effectiveness and efficiency of government services in Australia.