The Secretary of HEW presents an overview of departmental undertakings for the purpose of developing more responsible and responsive personnel. The major portion of the statement focuses on internal processes of responsibility and external processes of responsiveness. Departmental strategies, a planning cycle, an operational planning system, involvement of people, and increased flexibility are suggested to improve decision making. The role of research and development, evaluation, and cost benefit considerations also relate to internal processes. The HEW role in responsiveness starts with cutting away red tape, grant consolidation, services integration, and decentralization. Steps to encourage change include technical assistance in the proposed renewal strategy of the Office of Education and improved communications in the public affairs management system. As a department of the people, the HEW role in exercising leadership in the national effort to promote human dignity is realized. Concluding remarks identify a fourfold task: to identify problems of people and institutions; to eliminate gaps between promise and performance; to make the best of limited resources; and to fight for additional resources. A related document is ED 077 810. (Author/KSM)