Capability Reviews: Progress and Next Steps - The Civil Service

Case study: Better analysis in CLGBackground‘In December 2006 the department found itself in the uncomfortable position ofhaving been judged to be failing to base policy making and delivery consistentlyon evidence. In responding to the Capability Review’s challenges, it wasimportant from the outset to acknowledge that there were already some excellentexamples in CLG of integrating high-quality evidence and analysis into policy.However, this was patchy – we were some way from a point where analysis andevidence are integrated into our culture, systems and working practiceshabitually and consistently.Change programmeIn order to address the department’s shortcomings and to deliver sustainableimprovements, it was quickly concluded that it would be necessary to developcapacity at both the supply and demand ends of the policy development anddelivery chain. As a result, a twin-track approach has been implemented to deliverthe required step change in performance.On the supply side, we have strengthened the department’s analytical capability,by increasing the number of economists by 30 per cent. Three panels of outsideexperts have been established to bring a wider perspective, re-energise ourapproach to policy development, and offer a stronger challenge role. Senioranalysts are now on a number of programme boards where key decisions aretaken on major projects. We have developed and delivered an Introduction toEconomics workshop. We have also introduced a number of coaching networksfor our analysts to provide training and advice to staff on a range of techniques,including evaluations, value for money and modelling.In terms of raising demand for analysis, effort has been focused on policy teamsto achieve the desired change in working practices. It was essential for them tounderstand the value and role of analytical advice and to actively challenge thoseinstances where it is not provided or where it is seen to be weak. An intensiveprogramme of workshops and masterclasses has been provided for our SeniorCivil Servants. ‘Six analytical questions to ask of any policy’ have been devised tohelp policy teams engage in the debate with analysts at an early stage. We havebrought in high-profile figures from the media world to emphasise the importanceof analysis, including Evan Davis, the BBC’s economics editor, and Martin Wolf,chief economics commentator for the Financial Times. A very successful ‘Analysisfor all’ event was held in June 2007 to raise awareness of the work of analysisin the department. Changes have also been made to the ways the departmentsynthesises and presents evidence and advice to ministers and the board –‘evidence packs’ are now an established part of this process.36 COMMON CAPABILITY GAPS: PROGRESS AND NEXT STEPS