Tories want more business in govt
By politics.co.uk staff
A new Conservative government could increase the number of non-executive directors on government departments’ boards.
The bid to improve the way the civil service operates could see senior corporate figures parachuted in to departments where areas like procurement need improving, the Financial Times newspaper reported.
There are concerns the relatively poor pay offered by government could prevent those of the best calibre from becoming involved and thus dent the proposal’s effectiveness.
But Conservative staff remain confident that by giving the roles real teeth – extending to two or three days’ work a month, rather than just one afternoon board meeting – they will make a difference.
The Confederation of British Industry’s director general Richard Lambert told the FT: “It’s going to be challenging to get people of the quality they’re looking for. But if they’re really given a chance to make a difference, I’m sure there will be good people who want to do it.”
