Scrutinising Special Advisors

This is an audio recording of an IfG Live Event. Special advisers play an essential role throughout government, but is their role about to change? With the government altering the way that “SPADs” are employed and organised, and the extent to which they report to Number 10, special advisers could find themselves under increased scrutiny. Tim Durrant, Associate Director at the Institute for Government, welcomes a panel of guests to look at the influence special advisers have over public policy; how their work is scrutinised; and what role their minister plays in holding them to account. The event is part of our wider work looking into the role of special advisers, and evaluating current changes the government is making to their work. On our panel to discuss these issues are: Gavin Barwell, former Downing Street Chief of Staff Rt Hon David Lidington, former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Polly Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Demos and former Director of Policy to the Deputy Prime Minister Dr Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government #IfGspads See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices