Civil Quote by Ken Livingstone
“The civil service are risk averse.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public Policy Forum, 2015
Civil servants tend to avoid risk, prioritizing stability over innovation.
In simple terms: Bureaucracy prefers safety over change.
Key Takeaway
Encourage calculated risk‑taking.
Themes
government
risk aversion
policy
innovation
Mood
cautious
analytical
Type
critical
observational
When to use this quote
- policy reform
- budget allocation
- public projects
Key Concepts
public sector culture
decision making
change management
Questions to Reflect On
- What incentives could promote innovation in public service?
- How to balance risk with accountability?
A Different Perspective
Risk aversion can hinder necessary reforms.
