Can governments do everything? With Sir John Manzoni and Libby Mason

Can governments do everything? With Sir John Manzoni and Libby Mason

Author: Deloitte UK March 11, 2025 Duration: 38:38

Better healthcare and schools. More jobs. A growing economy. Improved infrastructure. Planet-saving solutions and disruptive technology. Anything else?

As the list for what would improve our lives gets longer, our demand on governments around the world gets greater. In fact, research shows our expectations are at an all-time high.  

But can all the things that the world needs really be delivered by new policies, new budgets and new leaders alone? Or is it our expectations that need to change?

The world has changed, but the ways in which the state tries to change the world have largely stayed the same. A combination of taxation, spend and policy are traditionally used to improve things, but is it time to try something new? And if demand continues to increase and challenges continue to grow, then what will future governments look like?  

In this episode of The Green Room we talk to Sir John Manzoni, former Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service and Deloitte partner Libby Mason, as we ask; Can governments do everything?

Tune in to find out: 

  • Why our expectations of the state have changed
  • The opportunities for greater collaboration between the public and private sectors
  • How traditional systems can be adapted to meet new expectations
  • The role technology can play in helping governments deliver improved service

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Guests: Sir John Manzoni, former Permanent Secretary for the Cabinet Office and Chief Executive of the UK Civil Service, and Libby Mason, partner at Deloitte

Hosts: Stephanie Dobbs and Oli Carpenter

Original music: Ali Barrett


In The Green Room: Questions That Matter Most In Business, conversations move beyond surface-level trends to examine the underlying forces reshaping the commercial landscape. Hosted by Deloitte UK, this award-winning podcast creates a space where complex, pressing questions are met with clarity and depth. Every discussion is built around a single, significant inquiry, bringing in leading voices from across various sectors to unpack it. What you'll hear is not just commentary, but substantive strategic analysis and expert insights designed for leaders and professionals who need to understand the 'why' and the 'how'. The dialogue consistently returns to critical, interconnected areas like digital transformation, the practical implications of AI and technology, evolving leadership models, and the realities of the future of work. It also delves into core business strategy, the pathways to genuine innovation, and the urgent demands of sustainability and climate action. This podcast functions as a dedicated forum for thought leadership, where each episode provides a focused lens on the topics that define success and responsibility in modern business. The aim is to equip listeners with perspectives that are both broad and deeply relevant, turning abstract concepts into actionable understanding. It’s a resource for anyone looking to engage with the substantive ideas that are currently challenging and changing organizations worldwide.
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