As a retired civil servant, I read your article with interest (Civil service is ‘too remote’ from people’s lives across UK, says minister, 14 June). I am in favour of moving roles out of London, but simply moving locations is not enough without culture change.
Civil servants come from a range of communities. Most are passionate about public service. But the hierarchy means that only those who are able and willing to play by unwritten rules (created by white, middle-class, non-disabled men for their own benefit) can climb the ladder; civil servants are encouraged to focus more on what will please senior leaders than on what will benefit communities; and the civil service often values grade and seniority over knowledge, experience and expertise.
