The Official History of the British Civil Service ― Reforming the Service; the Thatcher and Major Revolutions 1982-97

This second volume of the Official History of the British Civil Service explores the radical restructuring of the Civil Service that took place from 1988, after an intervening period of confusion and disagreement about its future direction.

It brings a much-needed historical perspective to the development of the ‘new public management’, in which the UK was a world-leader. The volume considers difficult questions about the quality of democratic governance in Britain. Based on extensive research using both recently released and unreleased government papers as well as interviews with leading participants, this volume concentrates on attempts to reform the Civil Service from the centre. It has important lessons to offer all those, both inside and outside the UK, seeking to improve the quality, efficiency and accountability of democratic governance.

Particular light is shed on the origins of such current concerns as

• The role of special advisers;
• The need for a Prime Minister’s Department;
• The search for cost efficiency;
• Accountability to Parliament and its Select Committees
• Policy-making capacity and the capability and efficiency of Civil Service policy implementation.

This book will be of much interest to students of British history, government and politics, and public administration.