Addressing the structural challenges that arise from the system of government in Northern Ireland, Murtagh made it clear that these have had very real consequences for delivery:
“Political instability, periods without a functioning Executive and absence of multi-year budgets have significantly constrained the civil service’s ability to plan and transform.
“It’s important to recognise that civil service transformation alone cannot resolve the systemic challenges facing government here in NI”.
Murtagh quoted a former senior official when he stated that:
“Government is hard. Government in Northern Ireland is even harder.”
Murtagh also addressed the tone of the conversation around the NICS, calling out “the tendency to default to criticism of civil servants”:
“Many civil servants feel like they are being pulled from pillar to post, responding to changing priorities, operating without long-term certainty, and still expected to deliver at pace.”
Better outcomes require a more constructive environment, Murtagh continued:
“Because ultimately a demoralised workforce will struggle to deliver reform, no matter how well designed it is.”
The People Strategy received strong support from Murtagh. Particularly the role strategic workforce planning, as outlined in the Audit Office report, plays in “ensuring we have the right people with the right skills in the right place at the right time”.
However, Murtagh cautioned that workforce reform cannot succeed in isolation:
“It must be matched by political leadership, stability and clear prioritisation.”
The importance of investing in future leadership was also emphasised by Murtagh. The Graduate Management Programme (which has not had an intake since 2022), was named as:
“A real opportunity to attract new talent and build the pipeline of future leaders we know is necessary.”
As it is currently under-resourced, Murtagh stated that “strengthening it would be a practical, important step forward.”
Regarding the nature of digital transformation in the NICS, Murtagh acknowledged the “low digital maturity but significant opportunity” present, but warned that:
“AI and digital tools can improve services and efficiency, but only if we invest in people as well as technology”.
Referencing the FDA’s ‘Adopt, Innovate, Transform’ report produced in partnership with the Fabian Society, Murtagh highlighted the need for training, capability and a clear strategic vision, but stressed:
“Technology alone will not transform the civil service, people will.”
Murtagh stated that the NICS must ensure it remains an attractive employer:
“Pay and conditions need to be competitive, short-term fixes like bonuses are not a substitute for a long-term, sustainable approach.”
Referencing staff cuts, Murtagh called for caution around “simplistic solutions – cutting staff without reducing demand does not improve efficiency it creates gaps and pressures”:
“In short, you cannot cut the number of civil servants and expect the same level of delivery…Transformation of the civil service is necessary and achievable, but it must be grounded in reality.”
Murtagh concluded that:
“Unconstructive criticism of civil servants who are unable to answer back risks undermining morale and, ultimately, delivery itself”.
