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civil service, lord armstrong

Former Heads of the Civil Service questioned

28 October 2011

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This will be the Committee’s first evidence session of its Inquiry into the role of the Head of the Civil Service and will take evidence from three previous holders of the post: Sir Douglas Wass, (joint Head of the Civil Service from 1981 to 1983), Lord Armstrong, who was Head of the Civil Service between 1981 and 1987, and his successor Lord Butler, who held the post between 1988 and 1998. The Committee will consider the Government’s proposal to split the role of Head of the Civil Service and Cabinet Secretary and examine the impact this change will have on Whitehall.

Particular issues to be explored may include:

  • Whether the proposals represent a downgrading of the post of Head of the Civil Service
  • the key tasks and responsibilities of the Head of the Civil Service; and
  • what impact these proposals will have on reform programmes in Whitehall.

Tuesday 1 November 2011
Wilson Room, Portcullis House

Witnesses:At 10:30 am

  • Rt. Hon. the Lord Armstrong of Ilminster GCB CVO
  • Rt. Hon. the Lord Butler of Brockwell KG GCB CVO PC
  • Sir Douglas Wass