Workings of a General Election | Event summary
At WIG’s recent event, Workings of a General Election, leaders from across the sectors discussed how the Civil Service prepares for the period surrounding an election and how best to engage with Whitehall during that time.
Preparing for an election in the Civil Service
When an election period is upcoming, a main task for civil servants is to prepare to ensure a smooth transition alongside their principal role of supporting the government of the day by implementing policy. They will prepare for all potential incoming or remaining governments.
Pre-election period
During the pre-election period, the Civil Service cannot make or announce any important initiatives or decisions. They use this time to prepare for the new administration by reading manifestos and identifying policies which will likely be acted upon early on.
Access talks
Access talks are meetings between the Civil Service and opposition parties in the run-up to an election. These vital meetings are the main method for the Civil Service to understand the goals of the parties. These talks are subject to rule constraints and are not allowed to happen unless the Prime Minister gives permission, which has been granted for this election. In these talks, civil servants receive information; they cannot give policy advice on what to do.
Preparing for first-day briefing
The Civil Service keeps impartial for all possible incoming or continuing government and prepares first-day briefing books and guides for all potential new ministers. This process involves triaging, assigning work to different people, setting deadlines, receiving, assessing and finalising the documents.
After the election in the Civil Service
Once the election occurs, the Civil Service must put into action what they’ve been preparing for and start their work with the elected government. This includes helping prioritise tasks and building working relationships with any new leaders.
The first 100 days
There is a strong desire to showcase some results within the first 100 days in office. After an election, the administration wants to be seen to take action, so it should be expected that two or three ongoing projects will be changed or reworked to suit the goals and time restraints.
New government is always very ambitious, but part of the Civil Service’s job is to use their expertise to help prioritise measures within manifestos; these documents are more optimised for inspiration than what can be practically achieved within the initial timeframes.
Some speakers purported that the framing of needing results within the first 100 days was not helpful. They emphasised the need to view the timeframe of accomplishing results over five to four years, not 100 days –and emphasised the need not to rush.
Working with new leadership
It is helpful to listen closely to the Minister and understand the reasons behind what they say. Learning what makes them tick and what inspires them will make working together easier.
Engaging with the Civil Service during this period
For those outside of the central government, understanding this process can be useful in determining how best to engage during this period.
Be understanding of and plan around the busy period
Before and after an election, civil servants will be particularly busy first with preparation and then the practicality of setting up office, so it may take longer to get a response.
The Civil Service as a continuity factor
The Civil Service is the continuity factor during the election period; they will still be there in the post-election period whichever way the vote goes. For this reason, it is important to start and build relationships early in the process. Relationship building should start before anything is needed. It is best to approach with a mutual interest, such as to share data, instead of an ask.
Learn more about the structure and operation of the Civil Service and key departments through WIG’s regular briefings and events including our upcoming half-day workshop, Inside the Treasury: Avenues for Cross-Sector Collaboration, our upcoming Breakfast Briefing with Lord Gus O'Donnell - Leading a General Election, and our regular Workings of Whitehall events.
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