Four pilot regions in France (Grand Est, Hauts de France, the Greater Paris Region and Normandy) are participating in a project backed by the EU and the OECD to improve the attractiveness of the civil service in the country’s regions. It is a two-year project with three phases: clearly assess the situation, adopt a forward-looking view of best practices and initiatives to put in place, and contribute to strategic and operational recommendations to ensure improved management.

The Swedish government has launched a campaign promoting the civil service’s core values—integrity, neutrality, objectivity and efficiency—as well as other aspects such as a strong management culture, a shared sense of mission and the importance of leadership. A toolbox has also been made available, including practical guides and situational exercises to help better grasp concepts.

The Dutch government’s HR division is now home to an innovation lab. Dubbed iLab, it is where the ideas and needs of HR professionals are turned into modern technical solutions. Creative thinking is encouraged, and the teams show that there are different ways to approach solving a problem. They are currently working with applied sciences students from two Dutch universities on developing an app to help manage hybrid working.