Events
Next Steps for Public Service Reform
Date: 30/09/2011
30 members attended this briefing which was addressed by the newly-appointed Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr Robert Watt.
Mr Watt outlined his views on the next steps for Public Service reform. In his plans for the future, a significant degree of structural and strategic change is envisaged which will impact on the way departments and agencies are funded. The need for further rationalisation/shared services within the public service was emphasised, along with stronger leadership and a more performance orientated culture. Funded bodies will be empowered to run their organisations once they meet their targets. The change agenda is no longer an optional extra, but will be driven and monitored rigorously
Participants commented that they were very encouraged by the presentation, remarking that it was refreshing to hear a top civil servant speak with such passion and conviction. Mr Watt’s commitment to engagement with ACESA was welcomed by members, but the true measure of the success of the event will be the level of subsequent engagement by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform with State Agencies.