By Alan Downey, KPMG’s Head of Public Sector

The recent accouncement on civil service reform does not come a moment too soon. The civil service as we know it is based on the 1853 Northcote-Trevelyan report and it is frankly remarkable that it has lasted so long. The world was very different then, with 16,000 civil servants, compared with 434,000 now. It is hardly surprising that a settlement designed to deal with a 19th century issues is creaking under 21st century demands.

And there is fresh evidence daily of turmoil in the current relationships between the government and the civil service. Ministers are said to be complaining about the quality of the advice from officials; Ian Watmore, one of the most senior civil servants, unexpectedly resigned; and there is significant unrest within Whitehall following leaks in the media about possible workforce reductions.

So, it’s safe to say the ancient system of division between policy and delivery is under significant pressure.

In response, the government’s reforms, by and large, look to be aimed at tackling the right – sizable – challenges. I’m pleased to see wide ranging references, including the need for; “a culture which is pacier, more innovative, less hierarchical and focused on outcomes not process.”

Specifically, a private sector approach to the appraisal of civil servants and tougher measures to deal with poor performance is advocated. These are steps in the right direction to the fundamental reform needed is to achieve the dual goal of a better and more cost effective civil service.

Such reform will take time, effort and collaboration, so it is to be hoped that this is indeed, as Francis Maude asserts, “a joint plan” between politicians and civil servants as a broken relationship would hinder progress. Ideally reform needs to be decoupled from political goals and owned by the civil service to a considerable degree.

 “It is to be hoped that an austerity powered push will ensure the first necessary steps to improving civil service productivity will actually be taken, having been announced.”

A version of this article originally appeared in the Guardian