Beyond the Iron Fist: What Civil Servants Say Will Really Cut Whitehall Waste
New research uncovering the real causes of waste in government and how departments can break the cycle.
When the Chancellor called for an end to “waste” in Whitehall, it put efficiency firmly back on the agenda. We wanted to understand what that really means in practice: what waste looks like in government, what it takes to tackle it, and whether departments are on the right track.
This new research, produced in partnership with Total Politics, Civil Service World and PublicTechnology, lifts the lid on the systems and practices that drain time, effort and public value.
Drawing on the views of over 200 civil servants and insights from senior roundtables, the report reveals a consistent message: Government risks “doing the wrong thing efficiently” unless it tackles waste at its roots.
New research uncovering the real causes of waste in government and how departments can break the cycle.
When the Chancellor called for an end to “waste” in Whitehall, it put efficiency firmly back on the agenda. We wanted to understand what that really means in practice: what waste looks like in government, what it takes to tackle it, and whether departments are on the right track.
This new research, produced in partnership with Total Politics, Civil Service World and PublicTechnology, lifts the lid on the systems and practices that drain time, effort and public value.
Drawing on the views of over 200 civil servants and insights from senior roundtables, the report reveals a consistent message: Government risks “doing the wrong thing efficiently” unless it tackles waste at its roots.
Download the report to explore:
- The “misapplied energy” lens reshapes how government should think about waste
- Why senior civil servants see opportunities for simplification where others see obstacles
- AI’s promise in eliminating waste and its risks when applied purposelessly
- How to align efficiency efforts with what truly drives service improvement
- Evidence-based recommendations that move beyond quick wins to systemic, sustainable change
Why this research matters now
As departments work under pressure to deliver more efficiently with less budget, this research provides a grounded, evidence-driven view of where real waste occurs and what it takes to remove it.
It captures the human cost, the systemic challenges, and the conditions required for sustainable reform.
Who is this report for?
- Senior civil and public servants
- Directors of transformation, digital, operations and policy
- Programme and delivery leaders
- Central and departmental teams preparing efficiency, reform or savings plans
- Anyone working to simplify services or reduce complexity