An Evening with the CEO of the Civil Service, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, and the Government's Chief Commercial Officer

You are invited to attend the launch of the Commercial Fast Stream, an exciting new Graduate Scheme open now for applications.

Join us for an evening of networking to find out why a career in commercial is increasingly recognised as the smartest career choice, featuring talks on the importance of commercial capability in government with the Chief Executive of the Civil Service, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, and the Government’s Chief Commercial Officer.

6:00-6:20à Registration and Welcome

6:20- 6:45pmà Talk from Bill Crothers, Government Chief Commercial Officer

After almost 25 years’ experience in business, Bill started his civil service career in the Home Office where he later became Group Commercial Director. In 2013 Bill moved to take on the Government’s Chief Procurement Officer role for the Cabinet Office and in September last year, in recognition of an extension in scope, his job title changed to Government Chief Commercial Officer.

The main focus of Bill’s role continues to be leading the wider commercial reform programme and under his leadership, ambitious changes to the way that Government operates commercially have been delivered resulting in significant savings for the tax payer. Bill is a passionate advocate for commercial being a career of choice for the graduate market, and this is an excellent opportunity to hear a powerful pitch from an industry leader on why commercial matters.

6:45- 7:15pmà Talk from John Manzoni, Chief Executive of the Civil Service

John Manzoni became Chief Executive of the Civil Service on 13 October 2014. He joined the Cabinet Office in February 2014 as Chief Executive of the Major Projects Authority.

John brings with him more than 30 years’ experience in the private sector. Previously President and Chief Executive Officer of Canadian oil and gas company Talisman Energy Inc. he also spent 24 years at BP where he contributed to its global growth and held senior strategic and operational leadership roles at global, regional and local level. One of John's challenges as Chief Executive is to get a better deal for taxpayers from commercial decisions and supplier management. He has set a determined agenda to ensure that this is delivered and will be sharing his thoughts on why Commercial is important to the overall and future success of the Civil Service.

7:15-7:30pmà Talk from Francis Maude, Minister for the Cabinet Office

Francis Maude was appointed Minister for the Cabinet Office and Paymaster General in May 2010. He has held several government posts, including Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office from 1989 to 1990 and Financial Secretary to the Treasury from 1990 to 1992.

His reputation as a reformer within government is well known and during his time in post he has ensured new ways of working and thinking have been introduced across the civil service. His enthusiasm and commitment in ensuring improved commercial capability delivers better services to the public in a way that is affordable and sustainable in the future, makes for an engaging and thought provoking session.

7:30- 7:50pmà Questions from the audience

7:50- 8:30pmà Drinks and networking