barclay behavior
Discussion
article said:
One source said there were “a lot of unhappy people at the Department of Health just now”, in part as a result of Barclay’s behaviour. Another said officials in his private office had “borne the brunt” of his behaviour. “Everyone finds him quite challenging,” said a third source.
Two other Whitehall sources alleged that he had regularly “blasted” staff in full view of others in the office. One of these insiders said he was “constantly angry”, which was “very difficult” for officials, who now “don’t want to have meetings with him”. Another source claimed that there were occasions were he “deliberately ignored” staff who tried to talk to him.
This is getting ridiculous. Two other Whitehall sources alleged that he had regularly “blasted” staff in full view of others in the office. One of these insiders said he was “constantly angry”, which was “very difficult” for officials, who now “don’t want to have meetings with him”. Another source claimed that there were occasions were he “deliberately ignored” staff who tried to talk to him.
I have no idea whether this is a generational thing or a political thing or something else but some of the senior bods at the civil service really need to think about how this plays out. If a party seriously starts assuming that the personnel within its civil service team is set against it then the much valued neutrality of the civil service will come under scrutiny. That’s a very bad idea.
Terminator X said:
Is all of this really bullying or is it just weak employees scared of their own shadow? Same for Rabb etc.
TX.
Yep, it seems civil servants now have the right to not do things they don’t agree with politically. Or do them half heartedly or with poor controls to effect failure. They also seem to have the right to leak whatever they like without consequence and call foul when any action is taken to try to improve their woeful efficiency and performance. TX.
Prolex-UK said:
Think in most jobs being belittled and shouted at by senior management is not on.
Most of the time i would suspect that the reason is the senior management is out of their depth or just a t
t.
True.Most of the time i would suspect that the reason is the senior management is out of their depth or just a t
t.But equally having a candid meeting about the quality of output should also be expected.
Were people truly yelled at or belittled? Or just told their output wasn't up to standard?
I doubt the truth will ever be known.
poo at Paul's said:
Yep, it seems civil servants now have the right to not do things they don’t agree with politically. Or do them half heartedly or with poor controls to effect failure. They also seem to have the right to leak whatever they like without consequence and call foul when any action is taken to try to improve their woeful efficiency and performance.
This. Bill said:
Or maybe the civil service don't want to be shouted at by jumped up, talentless sts? Given the dearth of quality in government at the moment there are plenty of ministers who wouldn't have been allowed anywhere near the post in the past.
Pretty much that, if you can't get through a day at work without shouting and swearing at people, you shouldn't be in a position of authority.ts? Given the dearth of quality in government at the moment there are plenty of ministers who wouldn't have been allowed anywhere near the post in the past.9.3 said:
poo at Paul's said:
Yep, it seems civil servants now have the right to not do things they don’t agree with politically. Or do them half heartedly or with poor controls to effect failure. They also seem to have the right to leak whatever they like without consequence and call foul when any action is taken to try to improve their woeful efficiency and performance.
This. 
The difference now is just the political side is declining in quality to be able to keep a lid on it.
sawman said:
are they all just the same?
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/apr/26/h...
Yes weak employees who can’t be asked to do anything. https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/apr/26/h...
ZedLeg said:
Bill said:
Or maybe the civil service don't want to be shouted at by jumped up, talentless sts? Given the dearth of quality in government at the moment there are plenty of ministers who wouldn't have been allowed anywhere near the post in the past.
Pretty much that, if you can't get through a day at work without shouting and swearing at people, you shouldn't be in a position of authority.ts? Given the dearth of quality in government at the moment there are plenty of ministers who wouldn't have been allowed anywhere near the post in the past.Gassing Station | News, Politics & Economics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff