Ethos Issue 25

ISSUE 25, APR 2023
ETHOS Issue 25

This issue explores the theme of Rethinking Resourcing in the Public Service. Our distinguished contributors share insights on how the public sector can harness new technology, methods and approaches to address new priorities in an environment of greater resource constraints.

Editorial

by Alvin Pang

The world is at a crossroads: perhaps its most significant in decades. On the one hand, recent advances in technology herald tremendous, transformative leaps in the way we may soon live, work and play—as public excitement over recent AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT and Stable Diffusion indicates.

Prioritising Purpose in the Public Service

by Gabriel Lim

The Chairperson of the Public Sector Transformation—People Committee shares insights on a movement to reignite passion and pride in the Public Service by trimming processes, refocusing on meaningful work and supporting public officers’ growth, wellbeing and agency, in the face of a changing world.

Prioritising the Big Small Things for S.C.A.L.E.

by Eileen Wong

Meaningful change can be initiated by small, purposeful first steps, rather than massive investments of time, resource and effort. The Institute of Leadership and Organisation Development (ILOD) at Civil Service College offers practice-based insights.

Economising with Imagination in Harsh Times

by Geoff Mulgan

Crisis does not always have to lead to damaging reductions in the public good: instead, they can prompt innovative improvements in the way public services are resourced, structured and operated.

Budget 4.0: Optimising for Better Outcomes

by Kwa Chin Lum and Kyle Goh

Singapore’s Ministry of Finance is spearheading budgetary reforms to enhance cooperation, sharpen priorities and promote innovation, to meet national challenges in an increasingly resource-constrained environment.

Enhancing Public Service with Tech

by Jordan Tan

A public sector tech leader outlines how technology can complement new ways of thinking and working—making the most of scarce resources to achieve better public outcomes.

Driving Sustainability in the Public Sector

by Lim Tuang Liang

Recognising its role to achieve net zero, Singapore’s public sector has developed decarbonisation measures, embedded environmental sustainability into its core businesses, and built up key competencies.

Sectoral Collaboration as Public Resource: A Conversation with Gus O’Donnell

by Augustine O’Donnell

The veteran economist and former UK Cabinet Secretary argues that harnessing skillsets across sectors is vital to addressing societal needs in the long term.

Making Outcome-Based Approaches Work: Insights from the UK’s Government Outcomes Lab

by Mara Airoldi

Effective social impact arrangements are purpose-driven, motivate relationship-building and centre learning in exploring new ways to deliver public value.

The Wake-Up Call: Rethinking Growth and Government in a Crisis-Constrained World

by Samheng Bora, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhoury, and Aruna Devi Narain

In this ETHOS Roundtable, three distinguished participants of the 14th Leaders in Governance Programme discuss how global challenges have reshaped thinking on national resourcing and the core work of the public sector.

Moving the Conversation: Cultivating Public Participation and Goodwill in a New Era of Challenges

by Catherine Fieschi

The public sector should take steps to strengthen the muscles of civic discourse and decision-making, to face a future where our most pressing issues call for all in society to pull together.