Civil service chief sets out performance overhaul and review of Whitehall
Antonia Romeo has outlined plans to reward effective civil servants, address poor performance and reconsider how Whitehall is organised amid financial pressures and technological change.
By Hassan Ellis ·
Britain’s most senior civil servant, Antonia Romeo, has announced plans to overhaul performance management across Whitehall, arguing that the civil service must confront weaknesses in its approach to risk, strategy and cooperation. The cabinet secretary said fundamental reform was needed to improve productivity at a time of constrained public finances.
Speaking at the London School of Economics, with Andy Burnham and his deputy, Louise Haigh, in the audience, Romeo promised substantial changes as officials navigate uncertainty surrounding artificial intelligence and global political tensions. Her remarks came as ministers consider how to accommodate higher defence spending in the future while safeguarding public service budgets.
Romeo’s promise to “rewire” the civil service reflected commitments made under Keir Starmer’s government. She said recent moves to increase bonuses for senior civil servants who perform well marked only the beginning of her plans. A new system would recognise effective delivery, specialist knowledge and the willingness to remain in a role long enough to complete the work.
Managers would receive training and stronger processes to help them reward officials having the greatest impact and act decisively when performance falls short. Romeo argued that allowing poor performance to persist undermined stronger performers and their willingness to make additional efforts. She also wanted to curb staff churn, including sideways moves made to secure pay increases rather than rewards for continuing in an existing post.
The cabinet secretary acknowledged criticisms that Whitehall was overly cautious, responded to events instead of thinking strategically, and struggled to work across organisational boundaries. She is leading a review of the civil service’s structure, due in the spring, alongside an update to its code. That review will assess whether existing departments remain suitable for work spanning different policy areas, and examine the implications of AI and “devolution by default”.
Addressing concerns among some officials that AI could replace their jobs, Romeo said the technology offered a way to reduce bureaucracy and give staff more room for creativity, interaction and decision-making. She argued that this could make the civil service more human.
Romeo cited cancer screening and efforts to tackle homelessness risks as areas where technology could support more predictive, preventative and personalised services. She said such uses would require appropriate controls and safeguards.
After the lecture, a government spokesperson said Burnham supported Romeo’s vision. The spokesperson described the prime minister as committed to shifting power from Whitehall to communities and regions, and said he would work with the cabinet secretary on responsible AI use, reducing unnecessary bureaucracy and rebuilding trust to improve public services and promote growth.
