§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what action he is taking to stimulate interest in exchanges of Civil Service personnel. [48181]
§ Dr. David ClarkThe Government believe that broadening the experience of civil servants is vital in developing skills and offering fresh insights. That experience may be gained from a period in a different Government Department, as well as in the private or wider public sector.
An Interchange Unit has been established in Cabinet Office to encourage the exchange of staff between Government Departments and other sectors of the economy, including businesses, local authorities, health service, small businesses and academia. My officials are working with representatives from these sectors to promote greater interchange.
Recent measures for encouraging exchanges of Senior Civil Service staff between Government Departments include the establishment of 'mobility clubs' between Departments with common interests. My Department is also consulting other Departments about what more can be done to promote and facilitate a greater degree of mobility, including for staff below Senior Civil Service level.