Through the Window of Reform

Abstract

In this chapter, the internal organization of the new Department as it sought to prepare for ambitious expenditure reduction and public sector reform agendas in tandem is examined, as is the role played by key policy entrepreneurs from inside and outside the administration in that process. The chapter details the appointment of key personnel and the creation and work of the Department’s Management Board and Reform Delivery Office in developing and coordinating a wide-ranging set of reforms. The chapter demonstrates that the window of opportunity presented by the crisis facilitated an ambitious reform agenda as well as the opportunity to frame public service reform as a vital part of the state’s response to the crisis.