NEWS RELEASE
Date: 27 March 2007
Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960
Renew Defra programme sets Department in the right direction
The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is making good progress with an ambitious reform programme which is helping it to succeed in delivering a diverse and challenging agenda, according to the Departmental Capability Review published today by the Cabinet Office.
Defra is one of five departments involved in the third tranche of a cross-government programme to assess the capability of government departments to deliver on long term aims and identify improvements that are needed for the future.
The Review looks at three key organisational themes: leadership, strategy and delivery. The Review has looked at both internal and external issues including planning, delivery capacity, staff management and the way the department works with its stakeholders. The Review came at a time when the department was already embarking on a programme of reform following the launch of the Renew Defra programme in November 2006.
The Capability Review report concludes that Defra has come a long way since it was set up in 2001 and recognises the department's achievements including:
- Leading internationally in climate change policy;
- Excellent use of science in policy making;
- A good reputation in Europe as a strong negotiator;
- A clearly articulated business model; and
- An innovative approach to citizen engagement.
Welcoming the report, Defra's Permanent Secretary, Helen Ghosh, said:
"At the time of our Capability Review, Defra was already setting out an ambitious programme of change to respond to this challenge. This programme - Renew Defra - will create a department which is more responsive and innovative; where outcomes will be developed in true partnership, and policy making will be effective and consistent.
"The starting point for this work has been our refreshed strategy, developed in partnership between the Defra Ministerial team and Management Board. As a result of this Strategy Refresh, Defra now has a clearer sense of direction built around a new mission of 'one planet living', supported by high level goals of avoiding dangerous climate change and securing a healthy natural environment, which in turn are delivered through high impact policies."
The department has responded to the areas for action and these will be driven forward as part of its programme of reform. Key actions include:
- Developing an overarching strategic performance management framework for the Management Board, and using this as the key input into discussions on organisational performance between the Defra Management Board and Ministers from April 2007;
- Establishing a Defra Customer Intelligence Unit, which will provide a focus point for how we engage with our customers, and involve them in policy development, from April 2007;
- Developing closer relationships with Defra's delivery bodies through enhanced performance reporting and representation on the Departmental Management Board; and
- Introducing more active management of the talent within Defra and implementing revised policies for dealing with poor performance, reinforced through behaviour and reward systems.
Notes to editors
1. Defra's Cabability Review is available on the Civil Service website at www.civilservice.gov.uk/capabilityreviews
2. Defra's response to the Capability Review is available on the Defra website at www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/how-do-we-work/capability-review.htm
End
Public enquiries: 08459 335577
News releases available on our website:
www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development
Page published: 27 March 2007