The Civil Service World Podcast

Civil Service World

Podcast by Civil Service World

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34 episodes
Updated July 20

Episodes34

Newest first

July 20 · 21 min
It's Personal: When Actors Do What PowerPoint Can't
This episode of It's Personal has a slightly different feel: Jess hands the mic to co-host Jo, who doubled up as a roving reporter at KPMG's Citizen Experience Excellence report launch – an immersive night of theatre, citizen testimony and audience votes, all designed to make senior civil servants feel the data rather than just read it. Jo talks us through the characters who took over the stage – plus what happened when an audience member's own experience became part of the evening. Then we hear from four attendees, from NHS Devon, DCMS, DWP and the Environment Agency respectively, about what they're taking back to their teams. Hosted by Jess Bowie, editor-in-chief of Civil Service World, and Jo Thomson, partner – customer transformation at KPMG. Recorded and produced by Podot.
July 6 · 34 min
It’s Personal: How do you make tax feel less taxing?
What does great citizen experience look like at scale? In this episode of It’s Personal, Claire Walsh and John Swift from HMRC’s Customer Experience Directorate join Jess and Jo to explore how the department is learning from industry and mapping customer journeys to improve services. They discuss how you measure success, bring colleagues with you when you’re on a transformation journey, and build openness to new ideas. Hosted by Jess Bowie, editor-in-chief of Civil Service World, and Jo Thomson, partner – customer transformation at KPMG. Recorded and produced by Podot.
June 12 · 35 min
The UK's strategy gap, and how to fill it: In conversation with Catherine Day
Catherine Day spent 25 years as a civil servant, including a posting as the UK's spokesperson in Iran and senior posts in No.10, Cabinet Office and the FCDO advising ministers and senior officials on national strategy, security and reform. In 2023 she left, convinced that our governance system is broken, and that it cannot be fixed from within. In this episode, Catherine talks to Suzannah Brecknell about what those 25 years taught her, why she believes there is a critical gap at the centre of our institutions, and what she is doing about it. We find out more about the National Strategy Project, which Catherine co-founded, and how civil servants can get involved in the work of renewing our democracy. We also explore why biological anthropology – the study of how humans organise to survive and thrive – turns out to be the perfect training for a career in government, and Catherine explains why she remains, despite everything, optimistic. Hosted by Suzannah Brecknell Recorded and produced by Podot
June 5 · 28 min
It’s Personal: How AI is Transforming NHS Diagnostics
In the latest episode of It's Personal, created in partnership with KPMG, Jess Bowie and Jo Thomson continue their exploration of what makes great public services in the digital era. One in three chest X-rays in the NHS is now reviewed with the support of AI – but what does that actually mean for patients? In this episode, we speak to Rob Dale, Head of AI Diagnostics and Implementation Lead for Digital Histopathology at NHS England, who leads the a £21m fund that has deployed AI tools across 64 NHS trusts. Rob explains how the programme moved from concept to scale without falling into the trap of 'pilotitis', and why getting the balance right between central coordination and local autonomy has been critical to its success. Hosted by Jess Bowie, editor-in-chief of Civil Service World, and Jo Thomson, partner – customer transformation at KPMG. Recorded and produced by Podot.
May 14 · 22 min
In conversation: How can we protect frontline civil servants from being abused?
As cross-sector research shows rising levels of abuse towards customer-facing staff, this episode explores how one of government’s largest operational departments is protecting its frontline officials – while also improving services for citizens. We’re joined by Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s director general for customer services and chief customer officer, who explains the kind of abuse frontline civil servants face on a daily basis and outlines the department’s response, from peer support and mental health advocates through to legal intervention. We discuss the role of technology in tackling abuse, and the unique challenges public sector organisations face since they, unlike the private sector, have an obligation to interact with every customer. Joining the conversation, Jo Causon, the chief executive of the Institute of Customer Service, shares data on the scale of the problem, including how it can impact staff retention and sick days, and explains why her organisation is calling for a standalone legal offence covering all customer-facing workers, not just those in retail. Hosted by Tevye Markson, online editor of CSW. Recorded and produced by Podot.
April 30 · 39 min
It's Personal: How does it feel to live in one of the UK's smartest cities?
In the latest episode of It's Personal, created in partnership with KPMG, Jess Bowie and Jo Thomson continue their exploration of what makes great public services in the digital era. Sunderland was named the UK's smartest city in 2024 – but what does that actually mean for the people who live there? In this episode, we sit down with Liz St Louis, Director of Smart Cities and Enabling Services at Sunderland City Council, to explore how data and technology are being used to make services faster, safer and more responsive. From sensors detecting damp in homes to multi-agency hubs where council teams work alongside police and fire services, Liz shares how Sunderland has moved from being 'data rich but intelligence poor' to using real-time insight to prevent problems before they escalate. We also hear about the city's long-term infrastructure partnership, its network of hubs tackling digital exclusion, and why – even as 60% of interactions move online – keeping a human-first option remains non-negotiable. Hosted by Jess Bowie, editor-in-chief of Civil Service World, and Jo Thomson, partner – customer transformation at KPMG. Recorded and produced by Podot.
April 9 · 20 min
Procurement as a launchpad for growth: In conversation with Rikesh Shah
The government spends nearly £430 billion a year on public procurement, or around 15% of GDP. In this episode Suzannah Brecknell speaks to Rikesh Shah, chair of the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre, about how government can use procurement as a genuine strategic lever for innovation – and why that's a challenge for the whole civil service, not just procurement teams. Rikesh sets out what innovation in procurement actually means in practice, why engaging the market early is essential, and the opportunities presented by NISTA’s £718bn infrastructure pipeline. He also tackles the cultural barriers head-on, with practical examples of how taking a calculated risk on innovation generated significant returns at Transport for London. Hosted by Suzannah Brecknell, Editor-in-Chief, Civil Service World. Recorded and produced by Podot. Links mentioned in this episode: Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre: https://cp.catapult.org.uk/project/innovation-procurement-empowerment-centre/ To share your procurement challenges with IPEC's cohort programme, email: contact@ipec.org.uk
March 26 · 24 min
What can government do differently to rewire growth? In conversation with Alan Welby
The Chancellor has said she wants to build an active and strategic state that drives investment-led growth across the whole of the UK. But is the wiring in place to make that happen? In this episode, recorded at the Connected Places Summit in London, Suzannah Brecknell speaks to Alan Welby, managing director for built environment and local growth at the Connected Places Catapult, about what it will take to turn that ambition intoreality. Drawing on a new report finding that only 1% of SMEs in most UK cities meet the threshold for investment readiness, Alan explains why capital continues to follow familiarityand existing networks rather than potential, and what needs to change. Theconversation covers blended finance, devolution, and the skills gap betweenpublic and private sectors. Plus, we hear a concrete example of how innovativefinancing models are being used to retrofit ageing housing stock in Glasgow. Alan calls on civil servants to be bolder, and get muchsmarter about supporting – and challenging – places to collaborate as they drive growth. Hosted by Suzannah Brecknell, Editor-in-Chief, Civil ServiceWorld. Recorded and produced by Podot.
March 20 · 31 min
Open government, trust and the fight against populism: In conversation with Kevin Keith
From October, the UK takes on the chair of the Open Government Partnership, a global network of over 70 countries committed to more transparent, accountable and participatory government. In this episode Suzannah Brecknell speaks to Kevin Keith, chair of the UK Open Government Network and the UK Multi-Stakeholder Forum, about how the civil service can make the most of this moment. From the lessons of a psychological experiment from 1950s Oklahoma, to what open government means in practice and why it matters right now, Kevin explores what all of this means for policy and delivery, and how the agenda connects to some of the biggest forces reshaping politics: from the collapse of public trust, to the rise of populism. Useful links and contacts mentioned in this episode: UK Open Government Network: opengovernment.org.uk Contact:uk@opengovernment.org.uk Open Government team, Cabinet Office Strategy Unit: opengovernment@cabinetoffice.gov.uk Open Government Partnership: www.opengovpartnership.org Hosted by Suzannah Brecknell, Editor-in-Chief, Civil Service World. Recorded and produced by Podot.
February 20 · 31 min
The rise of Civic Punks: Can rebels fix government?
Why is it so hard to do government well – and who’s trying to change that? In this episode Suzannah Brecknell speaks to Derek Alton, founder of Civic Punks and former public servant, about his global quest to find the people who are building the future of government. The conversation explores why governments struggle to adapt at the pace they need to, what history and even ecology can teach us about renewal, and how change can happen through the people who make the system work. And, of course, we meet the Civic Punks - people with a passion for public service and a determination to change the system from within and without. You can meet more Civic Punks on Derek's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CivicPunks Hosted by Suzannah Brecknell, Editor-in-Chief, Civil Service World Produced by Podot
February 13 · 15 min
An Extraordinary Week at the Centre: The Sacking of Chris Wormald
The latest Civil Service World Podcast discusses the extraordinary week we've just seen in Westminster and Whitehall. CSW's editors-in-chief Jess and Suzannah are joined by Hannah Keenan from the Institute for Government to reflect on the sacking of cabinet secretary Sir Chris Wormald, the unprecedented nature of the situation - given how recently Wormald was appointed, and the impact of the turmoil on civil service morale. Presented by Jess Bowie and Suzannah Brecknell. Recorded and produced by Podot.
January 23 · 28 min
How a senior civil servant uses AI day-to-day: In conversation with Megan Lee Devlin
In this episode, we speak to Megan Lee Devlin – DG for Service Transformation at the Ministry of Justice – about practical, responsible AI adoption in government. Megan shares how she uses AI day-to-day, from making the most of the general tools licenced by her department to the no-code tools built by civil servants themselves. She also tells us about bespoke, large-scale tools like Justice Transcribe, which has halved the time probation officers spend on admin. She offers advice on building capability, overcoming challenges like hallucinations, and how leaders can support a wider adoption of AI through curiosity, connection and responsible championing. Hosted by Suzannah Brecknell, editor-in-chief, Civil Service World. Recorded and produced by Podot.
Nov 6, 2025 · 24 min
It's Personal: How is HMRC improving customer services?
In episode four of It's Personal, created in partnership with KPMG, Jess Bowie and Jo Thomson continue their exploration of what makes great public services in the digital era. In one way or another, HM Revenue and Customs touches the lives of almost every adult in the UK. In this episode, we sit down with Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s director general for customer services, to hear about the challenges and complexities of designing services that need to work for everyone. We also hear some examples of transformation that Myrtle has led and what success looks like for her – and for HMRC as a whole. Hosted by Jess Bowie, editor-in-chief of Civil Service World, and Jo Thomson, partner – customer transformation at KPMG. Recorded and produced by Podot.
Oct 29, 2025 · 21 min
Changemakers: How the Ministry of Defence built an AI skills academy
In this episode we speak to Heidi Edwards, assistant head of AI skills and talent at the Defence AI Centre in the Ministry of Defence, to find out how a new way of learning is helping to grow AI skills across all parts of the MoD. We also discuss what an AI ready workforce would look like in terms of skills, culture and leadership with Heidi and Olivia Lory Kay, director of workforce development at Capita. This episode is sponsored by Capita. Hosted by Suzannah Brecknell, editor-in-chief, Civil Service World. Edited and produced by Podot.
Oct 17, 2025 · 22 min
Inside the Autumn Issue: A behind-the-scenes look at the making of CSW's latest mag
We're doing things a bit differently this episode. Instead of interviewing a senior civil servant, we're pulling back the curtain and giving listeners an all-access look at how we put together the current issue of Civil Service World. We hear from three members of Team CSW - Tevye Markson, Susan Allott and Beckie Smith - about the features they worked on and who they enjoyed interviewing, and also ask Beckie, who is now in charge of the print magazine, how it felt to put together her first issue. Hosted (remotely) by Jess Bowie. Episode recorded and produced by Podot.
Oct 10, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
What's the future of workplace learning in the civil service?
In this episode we explore how learning is changing across government. Our panel discuss the pressures facing departments, the opportunities that new approaches can bring, and the lessons organisations can take from recent examples. Our guests are Mike Zealley, managing director, learning services at KPMG, Louise Scott-Worrall UK head of learning services at KPMG and Tamsin Cooper, managing director at Forward Institute. You will hear about the trends shaping workplace learning and the challenges that leaders must overcome to deliver real impact. Hosted by Suzannah Brecknell, editor-in-chief of Civil Service World.
Sep 25, 2025 · 26 min
It's Personal: Insights for better service delivery with the NAO's Kate Caulkin
In episode three of It's Personal, created in partnership with KPMG, Jess Bowie and Jo Thomson continue their exploration of what makes great public services in the digital era. Jess and Jo hear first from three citizens, some of whom have seen an improvement in public services, others who have been let down. Our main interview this episode is with Kate Caulkin, a former senior civil servant and HR and project delivery expert who is now people and operational management insights director at the National Audit Office. We also hear from Keith White, a digital transformation leader who was (at the time of recording) head of digital experience at Northern Trains. Hosted by Jess Bowie, editor-in-chief of Civil Service World, and Jo Thomson, partner – customer transformation at KPMG. Recorded and produced by Podot.
Sep 17, 2025 · 29 min
Art, railways and the unexpected creativity of the civil service: in conversation with Sherin Aminossehe
Suzannah Brecknell sits down with Sherin Aminossehe - director of growth and missions at the Ministry of Defence, talented artist, and author of a new book celebrating British railways. They discuss Sherin's career spanning both public and private sectors, the lockdown challenge which inspired her first book, her earliest memories of making art, and the importance of buildings in creating communities. Plus, of course, our favourite railway stations. You can buy Sherin's new book - 200 Years of Britain's Railways in 24 Journeys - here. Hosted by Suzannah Brecknell Espisode recorded and produced by Podot
Jul 25, 2025 · 13 min
Changemakers: Building an AI-ready department
In this episode we meet Sam Rose, a leader in data science, advanced analytics and AI in the Department for Transport, to find out more about the holistic approach the DfT is taking towards AI adoption. We hear how officials are using behavioural science techniques to map opportunities, evaluate interventions and understand what an AI-ready department would look like. Hosted by Suzannah Brecknell, editor-in-chief of Civil Service World. Recorded and produced by Podot.
Jul 18, 2025 · 31 min
It's Personal: How do you modernise a department like DWP?
In episode two of this new series, created in partnership with KPMG, Jess Bowie and Jo Thomson continue exploring what makes great public services in the digital era. Today we hear from the senior civil servant Matt Briggs. Matt recently joined the MoJ on short-term loan, but in this episode we discussed his work as head of DWP's Service Modernisation Programme, and how he's helping to build government services for the 21st century. He also told us about leading national projects like Tell Us Once, wrestling with imposter syndrome, and how the stories of individual citizens are what gets him out of bed in the morning. Hosted by Jess Bowie, editor-in-chief of Civil Service World, and Jo Thomson, partner – customer transformation at KPMG. Recorded and produced by Podot.