- In 1925, Colonial Office split into Dominions Office and Colonial Office. 3 cabinet members were responsible to government for Empire.
- Dominions recruited and appointed own civil services but British Crown still appointed governor-general until Statute of Westminster when Dominions became autonomous.
- Colonial services thus unified in 1930 so individuals not directly appointed to different governments. Quality of appointments improved, particularly in Africa. Typically recruited from public schools. Pay varied enormously.
- Administrators began being seen as more of a form of ‘trusteeship’, particularly in Africa where they were expected to protect native interests à eventual leading to self-rule. However, developing these colonies meant that ambitious, young, indigenous leaders took high positions of authority.
In 1945, more Indians in Indian Civil Service than British.