“Constructive reform must be the top priority for new Civil Service Head” says Colin McGrath MLA.
Following news of the appointment of Jayne Brady as the new Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, SDLP MLA Colin McGrath, said: “Constructive civil service reform, which was laid out in the ‘New Decade, New Approach’, must be the top priority for Jayne Brady as she takes on her new role as Head of the NI Civil Service.
“The Covid-19 pandemic exposed the flaws and lack of strategic focus in how much of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, especially at senior level, operates.
“A proper, functioning Civil Service that is fit for purpose in a post-pandemic recovery will be vital in administering the way forward with whichever financial supports to businesses and people are needed.
“The climate crisis is the geo-political challenge of our lifetime. When the Executive implements a strategy to address the immediate and longer-term impacts of Climate Change, a robust Civil Service capable of mobilising the machinery at all levels of government across every aspect of our society to address the emergency will be required.
“Jayne Brady’s job is to ensure that the Northern Ireland Civil Service is built to meet the challenges of the 2020s and not the 1920s, when it was first established.
“I have written to her today inviting her to address the TEO Committee to outline her plans for meaningful reform.
“We look forward to working constructively with Jayne Brady in the time ahead,” added Colin McGrath.
