Beckie Smith
@beckiesmith.bsky.social
Managing editor @civilserviceworld.bsky.social. Disabled pwME 🏳️🌈 Into government spending, working lives of civil servants & Whitehall cats. All cats, in fact. DMs open, get in touch
Reposted by Beckie Smith
Underpinning everything, you do not want politicians deciding who is British based on their personal prejudices.
Deportation will also not improve the life of those left behind - plenty of evidence for that.
Ultimately, let's talk about what will improve the country.
Deportation will also not improve the life of those left behind - plenty of evidence for that.
Ultimately, let's talk about what will improve the country.
October 22, 2025 at 8:01 AM
Underpinning everything, you do not want politicians deciding who is British based on their personal prejudices.
Deportation will also not improve the life of those left behind - plenty of evidence for that.
Ultimately, let's talk about what will improve the country.
Deportation will also not improve the life of those left behind - plenty of evidence for that.
Ultimately, let's talk about what will improve the country.
Reposted by Beckie Smith
Let's not humour those advocating deportation of UK residents with reasons why their plans would not work.
Keep it simple, this is not the action of a civilised country.
If needed, this will mean complete chaos and destruction of international reputation.
Keep it simple, this is not the action of a civilised country.
If needed, this will mean complete chaos and destruction of international reputation.
October 22, 2025 at 7:58 AM
Let's not humour those advocating deportation of UK residents with reasons why their plans would not work.
Keep it simple, this is not the action of a civilised country.
If needed, this will mean complete chaos and destruction of international reputation.
Keep it simple, this is not the action of a civilised country.
If needed, this will mean complete chaos and destruction of international reputation.
This is really all that needs saying on the latest cab sec discourse, isn't it
If only anyone had known that Chris Wormald was a conventional civil servant. Kept it so well hidden.
October 22, 2025 at 11:56 AM
This is really all that needs saying on the latest cab sec discourse, isn't it
Reposted by Beckie Smith
The point of a multi-year spending review and regular SR cycle is to provide stability. That stability allows frontline public services to make long-term decisions that will deliver better outcomes and VfM. It's a big failure of policymaking if spending decisions are being reopened 4 months later
Chancellor admits tax rises and spending cuts considered for budget
Speaking exclusively to Sky's deputy political editor Sam Coates, Rachel Reeves says Brexit, austerity, and the Liz Truss mini-budget have all played a role in damaging Britain's economy - as she prep...
news.sky.com
October 15, 2025 at 7:46 AM
The point of a multi-year spending review and regular SR cycle is to provide stability. That stability allows frontline public services to make long-term decisions that will deliver better outcomes and VfM. It's a big failure of policymaking if spending decisions are being reopened 4 months later
Reposted by Beckie Smith
Relative child poverty has remained stubbornly high over the last twenty years and has risen over the past decade.
Without action, levels will soon break records.
Scrapping the two-child limit in full would be the most targeted and cost-effective way of reducing child poverty.
Without action, levels will soon break records.
Scrapping the two-child limit in full would be the most targeted and cost-effective way of reducing child poverty.
October 14, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Relative child poverty has remained stubbornly high over the last twenty years and has risen over the past decade.
Without action, levels will soon break records.
Scrapping the two-child limit in full would be the most targeted and cost-effective way of reducing child poverty.
Without action, levels will soon break records.
Scrapping the two-child limit in full would be the most targeted and cost-effective way of reducing child poverty.
The new Ethics and Integrity Commission is already facing concerns about its power, independence & resources.
@unlockdemocracy.bsky.social, @anticorruption.bsky.social & @spotlightcorruption.org warn the regulator is “vulnerable to political pressure” while its budget is set by the Cabinet Office:
@unlockdemocracy.bsky.social, @anticorruption.bsky.social & @spotlightcorruption.org warn the regulator is “vulnerable to political pressure” while its budget is set by the Cabinet Office:
Experts voice fears as Ethics and Integrity Commission goes live
Successor body to Committee on Standards in Public Life “needs full independence and statutory footing”, anti-corruption organisations warn
www.civilserviceworld.com
October 14, 2025 at 5:40 PM
The new Ethics and Integrity Commission is already facing concerns about its power, independence & resources.
@unlockdemocracy.bsky.social, @anticorruption.bsky.social & @spotlightcorruption.org warn the regulator is “vulnerable to political pressure” while its budget is set by the Cabinet Office:
@unlockdemocracy.bsky.social, @anticorruption.bsky.social & @spotlightcorruption.org warn the regulator is “vulnerable to political pressure” while its budget is set by the Cabinet Office:
Another director general moves to head up a charity. This feels like a theme... www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Home Office DG set to become RSPCA top cat
Joanna Rowland will take over as animal charity chief executive at the beginning of December
www.civilserviceworld.com
October 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Another director general moves to head up a charity. This feels like a theme... www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
I loved this blog on internalised ableism and reasonable adjustments by @helenjeffries.bsky.social.
V powerful observation on meeting people at training aimed at disabled people: "Almost everyone had that internal sense that if they only pulled themselves together somehow they’d not be disabled."
V powerful observation on meeting people at training aimed at disabled people: "Almost everyone had that internal sense that if they only pulled themselves together somehow they’d not be disabled."
Fixed desk – hot button
One of my most important reasonable adjustments for autism is having a fixed desk. Like most workplaces, mine operates a hot-desking policy and colleagues have to book in advance where they will si…
helenjeffries.wordpress.com
October 8, 2025 at 4:14 PM
I loved this blog on internalised ableism and reasonable adjustments by @helenjeffries.bsky.social.
V powerful observation on meeting people at training aimed at disabled people: "Almost everyone had that internal sense that if they only pulled themselves together somehow they’d not be disabled."
V powerful observation on meeting people at training aimed at disabled people: "Almost everyone had that internal sense that if they only pulled themselves together somehow they’d not be disabled."
A PSA that no one is ever too old to read a Discworld novel or too young for the Sam Vimes boots theory of socioeconomic unfairness
Am I too old to read a Discworld novel? I hear they are recommended.
October 7, 2025 at 4:47 PM
A PSA that no one is ever too old to read a Discworld novel or too young for the Sam Vimes boots theory of socioeconomic unfairness
Reposted by Beckie Smith
I'm increasingly convinced this is a huge driver of dissatisfaction with govt
Council tax is one of the most visible taxes that people pay, it goes directly out of their bank account and they get a letter about it going up every year
Yet bin collection frequency falls and libraries close
Council tax is one of the most visible taxes that people pay, it goes directly out of their bank account and they get a letter about it going up every year
Yet bin collection frequency falls and libraries close
It is also deeply unhealthy to have local govts who don’t provide many visible/valuable services for most residents (because they lack the resources). Encourages distrust and populism - “what am I paying my council tax for? The council does nothing for me.”
Amazed this is still going ahead - basic and obvious problem is that essentially everything local government does now is for the poor. You can’t move it around without really hurting poor people somewhere!
October 7, 2025 at 3:55 PM
I'm increasingly convinced this is a huge driver of dissatisfaction with govt
Council tax is one of the most visible taxes that people pay, it goes directly out of their bank account and they get a letter about it going up every year
Yet bin collection frequency falls and libraries close
Council tax is one of the most visible taxes that people pay, it goes directly out of their bank account and they get a letter about it going up every year
Yet bin collection frequency falls and libraries close
Reposted by Beckie Smith
Did a little interview with @beckiesmith.bsky.social @civilserviceworld.bsky.social - thanks v much Beckie for having me! :)
Read about how @janethughes.bsky.social is setting about reforming the state, bringing vast experience and #OneTeamGov energy
Be more Janet
www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
Be more Janet
www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
'Being a leader isn’t about becoming great at everything': Civil service reform DG Janet Hughes sets out her priorities
Hughes, who became Cabinet Office DG for civil service reform and efficiency in June, on bringing the spirit of One Team Gov to her new role, test ...
www.civilserviceworld.com
October 1, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Did a little interview with @beckiesmith.bsky.social @civilserviceworld.bsky.social - thanks v much Beckie for having me! :)
Reposted by Beckie Smith
Say what you will about GOV.UK, but this kind of thing (which is, to be clear, an absolutely outrageous political statement to make on an official government website) would never happen
October 1, 2025 at 1:41 PM
Say what you will about GOV.UK, but this kind of thing (which is, to be clear, an absolutely outrageous political statement to make on an official government website) would never happen
This is horrifying rhetoric. Saying "if you're sick or disabled" in the same breath as suggesting people don't deserve state support if they haven't contributed isn't just nonsense, it's stigmatising and harmful to push the idea (that this government seems v fond of) that everyone CAN work
Rachel Reeves: "We do need a welfare system that is based on the principle of contribution"
What happened to a welfare system based on the principle of need? Or the principle of universalism?
Haven't contributed for whatever reason? Tough.
What happened to a welfare system based on the principle of need? Or the principle of universalism?
Haven't contributed for whatever reason? Tough.
September 29, 2025 at 12:13 PM
This is horrifying rhetoric. Saying "if you're sick or disabled" in the same breath as suggesting people don't deserve state support if they haven't contributed isn't just nonsense, it's stigmatising and harmful to push the idea (that this government seems v fond of) that everyone CAN work
Reposted by Beckie Smith
Great (if not surprising!) to see such a strong emphasis on openness, collaboration and community from @janethughes.bsky.social in the latest @civilserviceworld.bsky.social
www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
Read the autumn 2025 issue of Civil Service World
Can government break the link between background and opportunity? Plus: exclusive interviews with civil service reform DG Janet Hughes, MoJ digital...
www.civilserviceworld.com
September 24, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Great (if not surprising!) to see such a strong emphasis on openness, collaboration and community from @janethughes.bsky.social in the latest @civilserviceworld.bsky.social
www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
The obvious image that comes to mind is a phoenix. Whether the Lib Dems would welcome that or not...
🔶 With a new 'Liberal Orange' brand and a pledge that their ambition has “no ceiling”, the Lib Dems are scaling up their hopes for the next general election
👇 @zoecrowther.bsky.social reports from Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth
👇 @zoecrowther.bsky.social reports from Lib Dem conference in Bournemouth
Lib Dems Rebrand To Bolder 'Liberal Orange' As The Party Begins To Get More Ambitious
With a new 'Liberal Orange' brand and a pledge that their ambition has “no ceiling”, the Liberal Democrats are scaling up their hopes for the next ...
www.politicshome.com
September 23, 2025 at 8:48 PM
The obvious image that comes to mind is a phoenix. Whether the Lib Dems would welcome that or not...
Personal news! I'm now managing editor of @civilserviceworld.bsky.social, which means I'll be editing our quarterly print magazine from now on. If you're a senior civil servant with ideas about what you'd like to see in it, get in touch!
September 18, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Personal news! I'm now managing editor of @civilserviceworld.bsky.social, which means I'll be editing our quarterly print magazine from now on. If you're a senior civil servant with ideas about what you'd like to see in it, get in touch!
I've always been deeply suspicious of people who only voice concern about one cause when they're objecting to another. See also: men who comment on articles/posts about women's rights, saying "but what about men's mental health?" but never mention it outside of that. It's in bad faith.
Reform spent the summer hammering home the need for protection from immigrants - and it worked.
But while Farage talks of protecting women, his party is working to dismantle genuine protections that keep communities safe.
We need to reclaim 'protection'. Here's how we do it 👇
shorturl.at/zyJ6b
But while Farage talks of protecting women, his party is working to dismantle genuine protections that keep communities safe.
We need to reclaim 'protection'. Here's how we do it 👇
shorturl.at/zyJ6b
Reform UK has hijacked the language of ‘protection’ – now progressives must reclaim it
Reform UK spent the summer hammering home the need for protection from immigrants, meanwhile they seek to dismantle the protections that really matter
unchecked.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 11:04 AM
I've always been deeply suspicious of people who only voice concern about one cause when they're objecting to another. See also: men who comment on articles/posts about women's rights, saying "but what about men's mental health?" but never mention it outside of that. It's in bad faith.
What do officials think of performance management in the civil service? Here's what we found in our Alternative People Survey with @re-state.bsky.social...
(Spoiler: one of the responses is “I have never seen talented colleagues so demoralised.”)
www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
(Spoiler: one of the responses is “I have never seen talented colleagues so demoralised.”)
www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
Managing expectations: What do officials think of performance management in the civil service?
Pat McFadden has said failure to tackle poor performers is “one of the biggest barriers” civil servants face. But what do CSW readers think of how ...
www.civilserviceworld.com
September 16, 2025 at 5:08 PM
What do officials think of performance management in the civil service? Here's what we found in our Alternative People Survey with @re-state.bsky.social...
(Spoiler: one of the responses is “I have never seen talented colleagues so demoralised.”)
www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
(Spoiler: one of the responses is “I have never seen talented colleagues so demoralised.”)
www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
Reposted by Beckie Smith
As I told @listentotimesradio.bsky.social, the premise that the civil service isn’t impartial because its inclusive and doesn’t discriminate against the LGBT+ community doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.
When does a commitment to treat people equally become political?
When does a commitment to treat people equally become political?
September 13, 2025 at 11:03 AM
As I told @listentotimesradio.bsky.social, the premise that the civil service isn’t impartial because its inclusive and doesn’t discriminate against the LGBT+ community doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.
When does a commitment to treat people equally become political?
When does a commitment to treat people equally become political?
Reposted by Beckie Smith
For the first time the proportion of civil servants declaring that they have a disability matches representation in the economically active working-age population
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Civil Service Statistics: Self-declared disability hits record high – and finally matches working population
Ethnic minority and LGBO representation also continues to rise
www.civilserviceworld.com
July 30, 2025 at 1:19 PM
For the first time the proportion of civil servants declaring that they have a disability matches representation in the economically active working-age population
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Now we know the Committee on Standards in Public Life will become the beefed-up Ethics and Integrity Commission, here's what CSPL chair Doug Chalmers had to say to @tevyemarkson.bsky.social recently on empathy, rapport and "zigzagging between departments": www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
'No one department owns all the bright ideas': An interview with standards watchdog Doug Chalmers
Committee on Standards in Public Life chair speaks to CSW about empathy, rapport and why 'zigzagging between departments is a really healthy thing'
www.civilserviceworld.com
July 21, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Now we know the Committee on Standards in Public Life will become the beefed-up Ethics and Integrity Commission, here's what CSPL chair Doug Chalmers had to say to @tevyemarkson.bsky.social recently on empathy, rapport and "zigzagging between departments": www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
Reposted by Beckie Smith
Maybe we can get synthetic civil servants to speak at the events the real ones are banned from speaking at
Morgan McSweeney (UK Labour's Dominic Cummings knock-off) is reportedly experimenting with 'synthetic voters' – "essentially fake focus groups of AI voters who can tell ministers more quickly and cheaply what the public thinks of policies" www.spectator.co.uk/article/can-...
#govtech #govcomms
#govtech #govcomms
July 3, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Maybe we can get synthetic civil servants to speak at the events the real ones are banned from speaking at
How do you close a quango? My ace colleague @tevyemarkson.bsky.social spoke to experts ahead of NHS England's abolition: www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
How to close a quango: As DHSC prepares to absorb NHS England, we ask the experts
In light of the government’s decision to merge NHS England into DHSC, CSW explores the dos and don’ts of closing a quango – and unpacks some potent...
www.civilserviceworld.com
July 3, 2025 at 12:56 PM
How do you close a quango? My ace colleague @tevyemarkson.bsky.social spoke to experts ahead of NHS England's abolition: www.civilserviceworld.com/in-depth/art...
"No more interactive stakeholder events unless a minister is there? Just publications of text/video content pre-authorised by ministerial offices? Government grinds too slowly and this will jam the works completely."
Former Ofsted chief and outgoing IFS director raise concerns about the new guidance
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
‘Unworkable’: Former senior civil servants question new public speaking rules
Former Ofsted chief and outgoing IFS director raise concerns about the new guidance
www.civilserviceworld.com
June 27, 2025 at 2:22 PM
"No more interactive stakeholder events unless a minister is there? Just publications of text/video content pre-authorised by ministerial offices? Government grinds too slowly and this will jam the works completely."
Reposted by Beckie Smith
Very Important News: @metoffice.gov.uk is currently accepting ideas for new storm names
Waiting for Gusty McGustface to become the No1 choice
www.metoffice.gov.uk/forms/name-o...
Waiting for Gusty McGustface to become the No1 choice
www.metoffice.gov.uk/forms/name-o...
June 26, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Very Important News: @metoffice.gov.uk is currently accepting ideas for new storm names
Waiting for Gusty McGustface to become the No1 choice
www.metoffice.gov.uk/forms/name-o...
Waiting for Gusty McGustface to become the No1 choice
www.metoffice.gov.uk/forms/name-o...