The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) congratulates Sir Keir Starmer on becoming UK Prime Minister

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) congratulates Sir Keir Starmer on becoming UK Prime Minister. We look forward to working with his Government as they seek to deliver on their five missions.

As a charity that exists to increase the number and standard of UK managers and leaders, we are committed to supporting the Government in addressing the pressing challenges ahead. We firmly believe that a mission-led approach needs to include addressing management capability if it is to secure growth through greater productivity, rapid green transition, public service reform, and better working lives for people.

The CMI identified four key areas of focus for the next Parliament to deliver Labour’s vision for change:

1. Productivity: The UK’s productivity lags behind countries like France, Germany, and the USA, primarily due to issues in the knowledge economy sectors and management practices. Academic evidence tells us that up to 50% of the UK’s  productivity gap with the world’s most productive economies is related to management capability.
2. The Future of Skills: The UK faces a significant mismatch between workforce skills and employer demands, exacerbated by low employer investment in training and economic shocks. Enhancing management and leadership skills, particularly through degree apprenticeships and university business programs, is crucial for addressing skills gaps and improving productivity.
3. Green Transition: The UK aims to achieve Net Zero by 2050, which requires accelerated efforts in green management skills training. Effective management is critical for implementing sustainable practices, and policies should support regional governments and businesses in adopting these skills to drive the green transition.
4. Public Service Reform: UK public services, especially the NHS, suffer from under-management, which impacts performance and quality. Improving management skills through accredited training and a multidisciplinary leadership framework can enhance service delivery and patient care, with lessons applicable across all public sectors.

Fundamentally, quality management is a critical enabler for future prosperity and security. Without stronger managers, productivity growth, public service improvement, better work conditions, and the green transition will all be held back.