Institute for Government

We were at the Institute for Government for the sixth event in the IfG DevoLab series, held in partnership with the JUST Centre, at which speakers from three regions with devolved powers set out how mayors and strategic authorities can use their powers, funding and influence to support a just climate transition. The three case studies presented at IfG DevoLab #6 were: ‘The Local Net Zero Accelerator programme in the West Midlands’ by Barbara Leach, Programme Manager at West Midlands Combined Authority ‘Devolution and local power for communities in the North West of England’, by James Johnson, Head of Regional Programme at the North West Net Zero Hub ‘Place-based climate action in Yorkshire and the Humber - the Climate Commission model’, by Rosa Foster, Director at Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission These speakers were joined by Professor Matthew Paterson, Deputy Director at the JUST Centre, for a broader discussion of the benefits of devolution and mayoral leadership for this agenda, how places are developing new ways of governing and new forms of participation to ensure that the climate transition is just, joined-up and reflects local needs, and what might be achieved by further devolution. This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. The IfG DevoLab is dedicated to exploring the innovations enabled by devolution, learning from the results, and sharing the lessons so that places can take better decisions about how to use devolved powers and budgets. Insights from this discussion will inform a published policy briefing containing the three case studies and a synthesis of key lessons. We would like to thank the Centre for Joined-Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) for kindly supporting this event.

This event was part of the IfG's half-day conference, Regulation in a changing world: How to meet the needs of the future? Panellists discussed how the design of a regulatory system can best build investor confidence and encourage good long-term outcomes. Rt Hon George Eustice, former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2020–22) Mark McAllister, Chair of Ofgem Stefanie Voelz, Senior Credit Officer at Moody’s This session was chaired by Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.

This event was part of the IfG's half-day conference, Regulation in a changing world: How to meet the needs of the future? An expert panel explored the purpose of regulation, and particularly its relationship to government policy. How can strategic direction from government, regulatory independence and consistency across sectors be balanced in a period of rapid change? Caleb Deeks, Director General for Competition, Markets and Regulatory Reform at the Department for Business and Trade Lord Michael Gove, Editor of The Spectator and former Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (2017–19) Dame Clare Moriarty DCB, Chief Executive at Citizens’ Advice Natalie Prosser, Chief Executive Officer at the Office for Environmental Protection This session was chaired by Dr Matthew Gill, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

This event was part of the IfG's half-day conference, Regulation in a changing world: How to meet the needs of the future? Welcome Opening remarks from Dr Hannah White OBE, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. The minister delivered a keynote speech, and was then in conversation with Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government and David Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Water UK.

The IfG was pleased to welcome Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, to set out his priorities for political and constitutional reform. In March, Ed Davey set out proposals for a “new Magna Carta” – a written constitution to safeguard fundamental British rights and freedoms. He expanded on those plans and talk about how the Liberal Democrats are continuing their campaign to secure proportional representation in the age of multi-party politics. And with Andy Burnham’s announcement of Number 10 North pushing devolution up the political agenda, Davey set out his approach to empowering councils and communities. Sir Ed Davey was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, CEO of the Institute for Government, and took part in an audience Q&A.

Following the May 2026 local and devolved UK elections, Reform UK is running over 20 local authorities, has two regional mayors, and is the second-largest party in the Welsh parliament. But how would a Reform UK government in Westminster approach complex challenges like rewiring the state, boosting public service productivity, and growing the British economy? On 7 July, the IfG welcomed Richard Tice MP, Reform UK’s Deputy Leader and the party’s business, trade and energy spokesman, to discuss Reform UK’s vision for government. What has the party learned from its experiences in local government across England? How would it approach relations between Westminster and devolved governments? And what policies would Reform UK prioritise if it wins the next general election – and what possible trade-offs would it face in government? Richard Tice was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, CEO of the Institute for Government.

The IfG DevoLab is dedicated to exploring the innovations enabled by devolution, learning from the results, and sharing the lessons so that places can take better decisions about how to use devolved powers and budgets. We were in Sheffield for the fifth DevoLab event, where three speakers set out how mayors and local leaders can build and sustain a shared vision for growth across their regions. The three case studies presented at IfG DevoLab #5 were: ‘Developing a shared vision for growth in South Yorkshire’, by Kate Josephs CB, Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council ‘Corridors of Growth in a Polycentric City Region’, by Tony Reeves, Chief Executive of Wakefield Council ‘Delivering an inclusive growth strategy in the East Midlands’, by Damien Dacey, Executive Director of Strategy and Inclusive Growth at the East Midlands County Combined Authority The three speakers were joined by Pete Gladwell, Group Managing Director, Public Investment at L&G, for a broader discussion on how mayors can work effectively with partners across their region, build consensus around shared priorities, and sustain ambition as political contexts shift. This event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. Insights from this discussion will inform a published policy briefing containing the three case studies and a synthesis of key lessons. The Institute for Government would like to thank L&G for its support for this event and for its wider support of the IfG DevoLab series.

Five years on from the merger of the Foreign Office and the Department for International Development, this is a pivotal moment for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The government is managing the reduction in the international aid budget, the department is undergoing a major restructuring, and its permanent secretary was sacked by the prime minister. With fewer resources, evolving security threats and diplomatic challenges, the government should be seizing this moment to integrate diplomacy and development. Recent research from the HALO Trust and the Eleanor Crook Foundation has shown how modern conflict is increasingly interconnected with challenges such as food security and malnutrition – and that unless these and other pressures are addressed in a genuinely joined‑up way, the UK risks operating in siloes. But how joined up is diplomacy and development, and can the department both retain its leadership role in international development and protect the UK’s national interest? How should the Foreign Office approach these challenges when staff numbers are falling and its budget is shrinking? What principles should guide the merged department through this time of change? And what is the government’s overall approach to UK foreign policy and development and how is it seeking to achieve it aims? Drawing on the IfG’s existing and ongoing research and commentary on the FCDO and its predecessors, and a series of previous successful events on similar themes, this event explored these questions and more with an expert panel featuring: Major General James Cowan CBE DSO, Chief Executive Officer of the HALO Trust Stefan Dercon, Professor of Economic Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government Ben Judah, Writer, and Visiting Fellow at Chatham House Dame Emily Thornberry MP, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee This event was chaired by Hannah Keenan, Associate Director at the Institute for Government and there were opening remarks from Gemma Tumelty, Director of UK Advocacy at the Eleanor Crook Foundation. We would like to thank the HALO Trust and the Eleanor Crook Foundation for kindly supporting this event.

The worthy aims of the NHS’s prevention shift include reducing childhood obesity, cutting the prevalence of smoking, and tackling harmful alcohol consumption. But previous Institute for Government work shows that shifting to prevention is incredibly difficult, with successive governments’ actions rarely meeting lofty rhetoric. So, one year on from the launch of the 10-year health plan, how much progress has the government made on its prevention goal? This event brought together a panel of experts to discuss the following questions: What has the government done to shift the NHS towards prevention since July 2025? How is the government assessing its own progress on this shift? What would demonstrate success in its eyes by the next election? Where has it made the most progress? Where has progress been slower? What does the NHS bill mean for the prospects of future progress? What are proving to be the particular stumbling blocks to implementation within the department, central government and local systems? What could the government do to push this agenda ahead faster? To explore these questions and more, this event brought together a panel featuring: Dr Zubir Ahmed MP, former Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Innovation and Safety Dr Jennifer Dixon DBE, Chief Executive of the Health Foundation Ravi Gurumurthy, Group Chief Executive Officer at Nesta Ian Walker, Executive Director of Policy, Information and Communications at Cancer Research UK The event was chaired by Stuart Hoddinott, Associate Director at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Nesta for kindly supporting this event.

Andy Burnham will surely become prime minister in a matter of weeks. But what kind of government would he lead and how can he prepare for the biggest job in British politics? As Burnham sets out his policy priorities, and with much speculation about the key appointments he will make to his top team, this webinar brought together leading IfG experts to explore the challenges awaiting the next prime minister – and the skills and he experience he will need for job. How can Burnham best use the time available to prepare for succeeding Keir Starmer as prime minister? What are the decisions that need to be taken before a transition of power? What do we know so far about the choices he could make on personnel and policies? And how will Burnham’s experiences of Mayor of Greater Manchester equip him for the job of prime minister? Sam Freedman, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Dr Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, CEO of the Institute for Government.

The Institute for Government was pleased to welcome Dan Tomlinson MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, to share his experiences as the sole departmental minister for His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs – and set out his vision for transforming the department. What will the shift to “digital by default” mean for HMRC’s performance, culture and operating model? How can digital transformation improve customer service? And what have the minister’s 10 months in the role taught him about the way HMRC works and how it can be reformed? Following his keynote speech, Dan Tomlinson was in conversation with IfG Chief Economist Thomas Pope and took part in an audience Q&A.

Boys from families living on low-incomes have been ‘left behind’ in early years policy making for decades. Nearly three in five boys from low-income families are not reaching a good level of development by the end of reception year, with long-term effects on their later educational attainment, job prospects, health and wellbeing. Two reports from the Institute for Government (IfG) – supported by Impact on Urban Health – set out how the government can ensure this group is not left behind in the implementation of its early years policy agenda over the next 12 months. Why have successive governments overlooked the needs of boys from low-income families? Where are promising models and practices already making a difference? What practical lessons do they offer central government as it works towards its target of 75% of five-year-olds being ‘school ready’ by 2028? To explore these questions and more, this event brought together a panel featuring: Claire Ainsley, Director of the Project on Center-Left Renewal and Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Candice James BEM, Director of the Loughborough Community Centre Miriam Loxham, Senior Principal, Early Years and Family Help at the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Alistair Strathern MP, Member of Parliament for Hitchin and Co-chair of the Labour Group for Men and Boys Shaina Sangha, Researcher at the Institute for Government, started the event with a presentation of key findings from the reports. The event was chaired by Sophie Metcalfe, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Impact on Urban Health for kindly supporting this event.

The Covid-19 pandemic saw the government spend hundreds of billions of pounds to buy PPE, keep businesses afloat and avoid mass redundancies. In the heat of this once-in-a-generation crisis, decisions were made that enabled widespread fraud by both individuals and organisations – leading to an estimated £10.9 billion of Covid-19 spending being lost to fraud and error. In December 2024, the chancellor appointed Tom Hayhoe as the Covid Counter-Fraud Commissioner to scrutinise Covid spending, explore how public funds could be recovered and make recommendations to prevent fraud in the future. So what could government have done differently to respond quickly to the pandemic while avoiding the vast scale of fraud? What should government do now to ensure there are more robust checks and balances ahead of the next crisis? How can departments and organisations better work together to prevent fraud across the public sector? And how will cultural and technological changes since the pandemic, including the growth of AI, impact the nature of public sector fraud and government’s ability to tackle it? To discuss this and more, the IfG brought together an expert panel, including: Dr Susan Hawley, Executive Director of Spotlight on Corruption Tom Hayhoe, Chair of the NHS Counter Fraud Authority and formerly the Covid Counter-Fraud Commissioner Joshua Reddaway, Director of Fraud and Propriety at the National Audit Office Rachael Tiffen, Director of Public Sector & Learning at Cifas The event was chaired by Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.

The Institute for Government was pleased to welcome Kemi Badenoch to give a keynote speech on Tuesday 9 June at 10:30am. Following her speech, the Leader of the Opposition was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government, and took part in a Q&A with the audience.

An expert panel drew on lessons from the recent assisted dying bill and other PMBs to consider how backbench MPs should approach complex issues. While historically major social reforms – such as decriminalising homosexuality or legalising abortion – have been introduced through private members’ bills (PMBs), most backbench attempts to legislate that do not begin with government support fail to make it onto the statute book. The Procedure Committee has undertaken extensive work and made proposals for reform, but the deficiencies of the PMB process remain largely hidden from public view. With the attempted passage of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill shining a spotlight on the PMB process, this Institute for Government event will explore the value and effectiveness of PMBs, and the wider role of backbenchers in shaping policy. Is the current process fit for purpose when it comes to issues that divide opinion and stir public debate? Are there other options that parliament should consider for backbench MPs to raise, debate and legislate on critical social issues? To discuss this and more, the IfG brought together an expert panel, including: Paul Brand, UK Editor at ITV News Dr Daniel Gover, Senior Lecturer in British Politics at Queen Mary University London Kim Leadbeater MP, sponsor of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill Luke Norbury, Parliamentary Counsel at the Cabinet Office The event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

Ministerial resignations, letters of no confidence, and Andy Burnham’s determination to return to Westminster have rocked Keir Starmer’s premiership. Plenty of twists and turn await in the coming weeks, with the work of government continuing under a cloud of uncertainty. So how can a prime minister lead a government if their authority is being questioned by their own MPs? What would a Labour leadership contest mean for the way government operates? What is the impact of this volatility on the civil service and the government’s legislative programme? Do Wes Streeting’s accusations of Starmer’s lack of vision and direction stack up – and, if so, how should this or another PM approach the job in a different way? To discuss all these questions, and make sense of what a return to chaos means for British government, this expert IfG webinar featured: Dr Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Alex Thomas, Executive Director for Impact and Influence at the Institute for Government Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government The event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

The government has introduced the Representation of the People Bill to lower the voting age to 16, change how electoral rules are enforced and – potentially – introduce new restrictions on political donations. But embedding new processes for registering to vote, changing how electoral rules are enforced, and ensuring there is clear information for 16- and 17-year-olds will all take time – and affect the work of the Electoral Commission, local authorities, schools, civil society groups and others in the run-up to the next general election. So, what needs to happen after the Bill gets Royal Assent? How will the Bill change the remit of the Electoral Commission – and is the Commission prepared? What do local authorities need to do to get ready? What information will new voters need? And what needs to change culturally as well as administratively? To discuss all this and more, the IfG brought together an expert panel, including: Harriet Andrews, Director of The Politics Project John Pullinger, Chair of the Electoral Commission Prof. Alan Renwick, Director of the Constitution Unit at UCL Clare Sim, Head of Member Support at the Association of Electoral Administrators (joining remotely) The event was chaired by Dr Rebecca McKee, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government.

The children’s social care market is often described as “broken” – including by the government itself. Too many children end up in unsuitable settings, the quality of care varies sharply across the country, and costs have risen to levels that put severe pressure on local authority budgets. So, what does the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, which has recently received Royal Assent, mean for the government’s programme to reform children’s social care? After a short presentation on new analysis from the Institute for Government, this event – featuring the Minister for Children and Families – examined how government can ensure its reforms are implemented effectively and deliver lasting improvements in children’s social care. To discuss all this and more, the IfG brought together an expert panel, including: Amber Dellar, Researcher at the Institute for Government Josh MacAlister OBE MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Children and Families) at the Department for Education Rachael Wardell OBE, Immediate Past President of the Association of Directors of Children's Services This event was chaired by Stuart Hoddinott, Associate Director at the Institute for Government.

With a crucial set of local and devolved elections taking place in England, Scotland and Wales on Thursday 7 May, the Institute for Government devolution team hosted an expert webinar the day after to discuss the results so far. What is the likely composition of the new governments in Edinburgh and Cardiff and what will be their policy priorities? What are the implications for UK-devolved relations? And what do election results in county councils, London boroughs, district and unitary authorities across England mean for the government’s local government reorganisation and devolution plans? To discuss these questions and more, including from the live online audience, were the IfG’s expert devolution and local government team: Matthew Fright, Senior Researcher for Devolution at the Institute for Government Megan Isaac, Research Assistant for Devolution at the Institute for Government Harriet Shaw, Researcher for Devolution at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government.

The Palace of Westminster is one of the world’s most recognisable historic buildings and the home of the UK parliament. Yet much of the estate is in urgent need of repair. While debates over how to approach the Restoration and Renewal programme have continued for over a decade, other countries have already moved ahead: Austria has completed the renovation of its parliament, and Canada’s is well underway. In February, the Restoration and Renewal Client Board set out updated costings and recommended two possible paths forward – full decant or enhanced maintenance and improvement. Parliament is expected to debate the Client Board’s report in the coming weeks. With the stage now set for parliament to embark on a project that will not only safeguard this historic landmark but also reimagine it for future generations, this IfG event explored lessons from other international projects, and discuss what the Restoration and Renewal programme could mean for parliament, industry and the wider public. To discuss all this and more, the IfG brought together an expert panel, including: Jennifer Garrett, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Parliamentary Precinct Branch of the Government of Canada (joining remotely) Dr Alexandra Meakin, Lecturer in British Politics at the University of Leeds Jack Pringle, Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Nick Smith MP, Chair of the House of Commons Administration Committee The event was chaired by Dr Rebecca McKee, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank RIBA for kindly supporting this event.

Our third webinar in a three-part series focused on the findings of Whitehall Monitor 2026. The third Whitehall Monitor webinar – the final in a three-part series exploring the IfG’s annual flagship report on the civil service – took a deeper look at the people who make up the civil service workforce, including diversity and morale, and considers the crucial role of, and challenges facing, civil service leadership today. The webinar featured: Heloise Dunlop, Researcher at the Institute for Government and co-author of Whitehall Monitor 2026 Tom Fitzlucas, People and Change Expert at PA Consulting Jack Worlidge, Senior Researcher at the IfG and co-author of Whitehall Monitor 2026 The event was chaired by Alex Thomas, Executive Director for Impact and Influence at the IfG. Whitehall Monitor 2026, the IfG’s annual data-led assessment of the size, shape and performance of the civil service, examines how the workforce changed in 2025. We would like to thank PA Consulting for kindly supporting this event.

On Thursday 7 May, voters in Scotland and Wales will elect the members of the devolved parliaments in Edinburgh and Cardiff. A change of government is expected in Wales, where Labour trails both Plaid Cymru and Reform UK in the polls. In Scotland, by contrast, the SNP is forecast to take a fifth successive victory, potentially with an outright majority, which the party will claim provides a mandate for an independence referendum. What are the probable electoral and government formation scenarios? What will the results mean for how Scotland and Wales are governed? What challenges and opportunities will face the incoming first ministers? And what are the potential implications for Westminster and relations between the UK nations? On the eve of these crucial votes, the Institute for Government convened an expert panel to explore what is at stake and what is likely to happen. On the panel: Professor John Curtice, Professor of Politics at the University of Strathclyde Liz Lloyd, former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Scotland, Specialist Partner at Flint Global Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government Jane Runeckles, former Chief of Staff to the First Minister of Wales, FDA National Officer This event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

The Institute for Government was pleased to welcome Matthew Pennycook MP, Minister for Housing and Planning, to give a speech on leasehold reform and the move to commonhold. The speech, in which the Housing Minister spoke about the government's ambitions on ending the feudal leasehold system, follows publication of the draft Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Bill for pre-legislative scrutiny. Following the speech, Matthew Pennycook was in conversation with Nehal Davison, Programme Director (policy making) at the IfG, and took part in an audience Q&A.

Successive UK governments have made immigration policy a high political priority, but no recent government has seemed to meet public expectations in the pursuit of those policies. So, what have recent immigration policies been trying to achieve, and why have so many people ended up unhappy with the outcome? A new book by Madeleine Sumption explores these questions. Drawing on decades of research, she explores the unavoidable trade-offs governments face, and the impacts of their choices on people and communities. To answer these questions and more, this IfG event brought together an expert panel, including: Rt Hon Amber Rudd, former Home Secretary (2016–18) and former Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (2018–19) Madeleine Sumption, Director of the Migration Observatory at Oxford University and a member of the UK Government’s Migration Advisory Committee This event was chaired by Alex Thomas, Executive Director for Impact and Influence at the Institute for Government.

The government is reeling from the revelation that Peter Mandelson was appointed as UK ambassador to the US despite having failed a security vetting process. With the blame-game dominating the week in Westminster, what will we learn from Keir Starmer's 'judgment day' Commons statement? What will Olly Robbins – who was sacked by the PM as Foreign Office permanent secretary – reveal in a crucial select committee appearance? What has the vetting row shown about the way decisions are made at the top of government? How should the vetting and appointments process be overhauled? And what does this row mean for relations between civil servants and ministers? An IfG expert webinar answered these questions and more. The webinar featured: Tim Durrant, Programme Director at the Institute for Government Hannah Keenan, Associate Director at the Institute for Government Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

Improving productivity is at the heart of the government’s plans for public services, underpins the ‘strategic and agile state’ and is a critical enabler for many of its ambitions for the future. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has been drawing on experience from the public and private sector to make sure the 2027 spending review consolidates and furthers the government’s productivity drive. This builds on the work already underway within the government through the Office for Value for Money and its departmental target of 2% productivity, efficiencies and savings. But what has the government achieved so far? How is HM Treasury supporting productivity improvements across government and monitoring departmental efficiency plans? What is the Chief Secretary doing to push this agenda on? To explore these questions and to discuss his priorities and approach, the Institute for Government was pleased to be hosting Rt Hon James Murray MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Professor Andy Westwood, Policy Director at The Productivity Institute made opening remarks. James Murray was then in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. This event was kindly supported by The Productivity Institute (TPI).

The second webinar in our three-part series focusing on the findings of Whitehall Monitor 2026. The webinar featured: Heloise Dunlop, Researcher at the Institute for Government and co-author of Whitehall Monitor 2026 Becky Noble, Public Services AI Lead at PA Consulting Jack Worlidge, Senior Researcher at the IfG and co-author of Whitehall Monitor 2026 The event was chaired by Hannah Keenan, Associate Director at the IfG and lead author of Whitehall Monitor 2026. Whitehall Monitor 2026, the IfG’s annual data-led assessment of the size, shape and performance of the civil service, examines how the workforce changed in 2025. We would like to thank PA Consulting for kindly supporting this event.

Our first webinar in a three-part series focused on the findings of Whitehall Monitor 2026. The first Whitehall Monitor webinar – kicking off a three-part series exploring the IfG’s annual flagship report on the civil service – looked at the context in which much needed strategic workforce planning should be taking place: how the size and shape of the civil service has changed in the past year, against a backdrop of multiple exit schemes and a complex recruitment landscape. The webinar featured: Heloise Dunlop, Researcher at the Institute for Government and co-author of Whitehall Monitor 2026 Daniel Howes, Research Assistant at the IfG and co-author of Whitehall Monitor 2026 Liz Tolcher, Associate Partner – Skills & Workforce Transformation Expert at PA Consulting The event was chaired by Hannah Keenan, Associate Director at the IfG and lead author of Whitehall Monitor 2026. Whitehall Monitor 2026, the IfG’s annual data-led assessment of the size, shape and performance of the civil service, examines how the workforce changed in 2025. We would like to thank PA Consulting for kindly supporting this event.

As war in the Middle East disrupts energy markets across the world, what are the implications for households and businesses in the UK and how should government respond to the price shock? This IfG webinar explored Rachel Reeves’s options for supporting consumers – and what the ongoing conflict could mean for energy policy, the transition to net zero and for the public finances. What are the implications of different scenarios for oil and gas shipments from the Middle East? What do they mean for the design of support packages? How would different approaches impact government objectives on inflation and growth? Has the government learned the lessons from the response to the 2022 price shock? And do events in the Middle East accelerate or slow the transition to net zero? Should they lead to a rethink on North Sea licensing? This webinar featured: Nick Butler, former Head of Strategy for BP and then senior policy adviser to Prime Minister Gordon Brown Dan Haile, Senior Economist at the Institute for Government Emma Pinchbeck, Chief Executive of the Climate Change Committee and former CEO of Energy UK Andrew Sissons, Director, Sustainable Future Mission at NESTA This webinar was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government.

With just a few weeks remaining before May’s Scottish parliament election, Malcolm Offord, Leader of Reform UK in Scotland, joined us to discuss the state of devolution, Scotland’s economy and public services, and the future of Scotland. With Reform UK predicted to win a sizeable number of seats in Scotland for the first time, this webinar saw Malcolm Offord set out his policies and plans for Scotland, and discussed how Reform UK would govern if in a position of power at Holyrood. He was in conversation with Institute for Government Programme Director Akash Paun, and answered questions submitted by the online audience. This event is part of a series the Institute for Government is holding with political leaders from Scotland and Wales.

The IfG DevoLab is dedicated to exploring the innovations enabled by devolution, learning from the results, and sharing the lessons so that places can take better decisions about how to use devolved powers and budgets. On 25 February, in Manchester, we held our fourth IfG DevoLab event, where three speakers set out how the powers and profile of mayors are being used to increase the supply of affordable homes within their regions. The three case studies presented at IfG DevoLab #4 were: ‘Increasing the supply of affordable homes in the West of England’, by Stephen Peacock, Chief Executive of the West of England Combined Authority ‘From housing growth to good growth - experiences delivering housing growth in Greater Manchester’, by Andrew McIntosh, Director of Sustainable Growth & Infrastructure at Greater Manchester Combined Authority ‘Supporting regions to increase the supply of affordable homes’, by Jackie Rigby, Assistant Director - Place, Partnerships and Capacity at Homes England The three speakers were joined by Ben Denton, Head of Strategic Growth – Affordable Housing at L&G, for a broader discussion of the benefits of devolution and mayoral leadership for this agenda, how mayors can support the government make progress toward its challenging house-building targets, and how further devolution could help accelerate the supply of affordable homes. This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. Insights from this discussion will inform a published policy briefing containing the three case studies and a synthesis of key lessons. The Institute for Government would like to thank L&G for its support of this event and for its wider support of the IfG DevoLab series.

This event took place two months before the people of Wales cast their votes in the seventh election to Senedd Cymru (the Welsh parliament) since it was established in 1999. The polls suggest that Plaid is on track to overturn Labour’s century-long dominance of Welsh politics to become the largest party in the Senedd for the first time, opening the path to Rhun ap Iorwerth becoming Wales’s next first minister. Watch our event recording to hear the Plaid leader deliver a short speech on how he would govern as first minister, followed by a conversation with Akash Paun, Programme Director for Devolution at the Institute for Government, and a Q&A with the live and online audience.

The government’s ambitious local government reorganisation (LGR) programme will replace all county and district councils with a single tier of unitary local government. Local authorities have submitted their preferred geographies to central government – but with reportedly 70 submissions across 21 two-tier areas, there is little consensus on the ideal footprints of future unitary authorities. Government is consulting the public and stakeholders, but ultimately it will fall to ministers to make these decisions – requiring potentially contentious judgements. Some local authorities favour fewer, larger geographies that offer greater efficiencies, others smaller councils that keep decision making closer to local communities. Final decisions will create winners and losers, and some outgoing authorities may resist the outcome. So how will these decisions shape the success of incoming unitary authorities? What weighting should ministers give to competing LGR criteria? How can ministers balance consistency of decisions with the need to tailor decisions for local areas? How can the government do this transparently? To answer these questions and more, this IfG event – the first in a new Making a Success of Local Government Reorganisation series – brought together an expert panel, including: Councillor Kay Mason Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council Joanne Brown, Partner, Public Sector Audit at Grant Thornton UK LLP Dr Matthew Fright, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government. Councillor Bella Sankey, Leader of Brighton and Hove City Council (joining remotely) This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. The Institute for Government would like to thank Grant Thornton UK LLP for their support of this event, the first in a series on how to make a success of local government reorganisation (LGR).

On 13 March 2025, Keir Starmer announced the abolition of NHS England, the arm’s-length body responsible for overseeing, planning, funding and delivering the health service – with its functions to be merged back into the Department of Health and Social Care. Work on the transition is underway but key decisions are still to be made. What are the risks and opportunities associated with abolishing NHS England? How much progress has been made to date? What can be learnt from previous structural changes to the NHS and other parts of government? How can the government get the reform process right? To answer these questions and more, this webinar from the IfG and the Nuffield Trust brought together an expert panel featuring: Mark Dayan, Policy Analyst and Head of Public Affairs at the Nuffield Trust Stuart Hoddinott, Associate Director at the Institute for Government Sarah Reed, Senior Fellow at the Nuffield Trust The webinar was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This webinar was kindly supported by the Nuffield Trust.

In 2024, Eluned Morgan MS became the sixth first minister of Wales – and the first woman to hold the role – since the dawn of devolution in 1999. She now leads Welsh Labour into the 2026 Senedd election, which will be held under a new electoral system, and at which Labour faces a double challenge from the rise of Plaid Cymru and Reform. On 22 January, the Institute for Government was delighted to welcome Eluned Morgan to discuss how devolution to Wales has evolved since 1999, her priorities as First Minister, how the Labour governments in Cardiff and Westminster can cooperate on shared goals, and Welsh Labour’s vision for Wales’s constitutional future. The first minister was in conversation with Akash Paun, Programme Director of Devolution at the Institute for Government, followed by a Q&A with the live and online audience.

Following the publication of Whitehall Monitor 2026, the Institute for Government’s annual data-led analysis of the state of the UK civil service, the IfG was delighted to welcome Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, to set out why he thinks the status quo isn’t working and update on the government’s efforts to renew the state. He announced his plans to shake up Whitehall and hardwire innovation into government so that it can keep pace with a changing world and grasp the opportunities of the future. The Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister was introduced by Dr Hannah White OBE, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

Trump’s second term has been markedly different from his first and has already brought with it the most radical shift in US foreign policy since the Second World War. 2026 has seen Trump ramping up action and rhetoric on multiple fronts with even greater pressure on UK and European leaders to respond. What do the next three years hold for relations between the UK, US and EU? Are current tactics and strategies working for the UK and Europe or do leaders need to change course? Will the prime minister finally be forced to choose between Washington and Brussels? On the first anniversary of Trump’s 2025 inauguration, the Institute for Government and UK in a Changing Europe were delighted to invite you to a panel to discuss these and other questions, with: Sir Simon Fraser, Chair of Flint Global, Chair of Chatham House and former Permanent Under-Secretary, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, 2010-15 Fiona Hill, Chancellor of Durham University, Senior Fellow at Brookings Institution and former Presidential Adviser on Foreign Affairs Professor Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe This event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. We would like to thank UK in a Changing Europe for kindly supporting this event.

The government is making major changes to the structure of the NHS. NHS England is being abolished, with its functions merged into the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC). At the same time, the number of Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) is set to be reduced, with many expected to merge. Changes proposed by the 10 Year Health Plan, including contracts for single and multi-neighbourhood providers, will also create changes in local delivery structures. How can the government ensure that the new national structure works effectively? Should any current NHSE functions remain independent of DHSC? How should the reformed DHSC work regionally, and with ICBs, strategic authorities and trusts? How can the government make a success of the emerging ICB structure? How should local delivery structures be reformed? To discuss these questions and more, we were joined by an expert panel including: Dr Penelope Dash, Chair of NHS England Dame Patricia Hewitt, former Secretary of State for Health and author of the Hewitt Review of ICSs Samantha Jones, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care Johan Kahlström, President and Managing Director, UK and Ireland at Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK This event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK for kindly supporting this event.

This event was part of Government 2026, the IfG's annual conference. The shadow chancellor delivered a speech, followed by a conversation with Alex Thomas, Executive Director for Impact and Influence at the Institute for Government. Followed by closing remarks from Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Grant Thornton UK LLP for supporting this event.

This event was part of Government 2026, the IfG's annual conference. Political journalist Carolyn Quinn, former presenter of the BBC’s Westminster Hour, was in conversation with four IfG programme directors to discuss their vital work on policy making, public services, ministers and public bodies – and their verdict on the government’s performance. Nick Davies, Programme Director (Public Services) at the Institute for Government Nehal Davison, Programme Director (Policy making) at the Institute for Government Tim Durrant, Programme Director (Ministers) at the Institute for Government Matthew Gill, Programme Director (Public Bodies) at the Institute for Government We would like to thank Grant Thornton UK LLP for supporting this event.

This event was part of Government 2026, the IfG's annual conference. The Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister discussed why his role spanning both No.10 and the Cabinet Office was created and the need to modernise public services. Speaking with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government, he set out the changes being made to the centre of Whitehall to enable the government to drive action more quickly in 2026. We would like to thank Grant Thornton UK LLP for supporting this event.

This event was part of Government 2026, the IfG's annual conference. A preview of the issues at stake in the hugely significant elections taking place across the UK in May 2026. Kezia Dugdale, former Leader of the Scottish Labour Party and Associate Director of the Centre for Public Policy Guto Harri, broadcaster and former No.10 Director of Communications Akash Paun, Programme Director (Devolution) at the Institute for Government Luke Tryl, Director of More in Common This session was chaired by Dr Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Grant Thornton UK LLP for supporting this event.

This event was part of Government 2026, the IfG's annual conference. Drawing on brand new IfG research, this panel gave its verdict on the government's attempts to reform the civil service. Whitehall Monitor 2026 presentation from Hannah Keenan, Associate Director at the Institute for Government Followed by a panel discussion featuring: Rt Hon Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester (joining virtually) Lord Michael Gove, Editor of The Spectator and former government minister Hannah Keenan, Associate Director at the Institute for Government Rowena Mason, Whitehall Editor at The Guardian This session was chaired by Alex Thomas, Executive Director for Impact and Influence at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Grant Thornton UK LLP for supporting this event.

This event was part of Government 2026, the IfG's annual conference. An expert panel explored how well No.10 and the Treasury work together to deliver the government's economic priorities. Rt Hon Ed Balls, broadcaster, presenter of Political Currency, and former Education Secretary Kelly Beaver MBE, Chief Executive of Ipsos in the UK and Ireland Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, broadcaster and former political adviser This session was chaired by Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government and former No.10 Adviser. We would like to thank Grant Thornton UK LLP for supporting this event.

This event was part of Government 2026, the IfG's annual conference. Baroness Louise Casey, the government's Lead Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Independent Commission into Adult Social Care, discussed her work across the public sector with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.

This event was part of Government 2026, the IfG's annual conference. Welcome Opening remarks from Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government Phillip Woolley, Partner, Head of Consulting at Grant Thornton UK LLP ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- A keynote speech by Rt Hon Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care delivered a speech, followed by a conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Grant Thornton UK LLP for supporting this event.

According to the Washington Post, Donald Trump made 30,573 false or misleading claims during his first term as US president – and Trump 2.0 has also shown little regard for facts or evidence. Unexpected presidential announcements are made on social media or in press conferences, and Trump’s positions can appear to change overnight. Leaders of other countries, including Keir Starmer, find their own plans and statements overshadowed or knocked off course. Despite this chaos and confusion, Trump appears authentic and able to galvanise his base while other, more conventional, political communicators struggle to get their message across. So is Trump rewriting the rules for government communications? Does the UK have sufficient safeguards against our political leaders adopting Trump’s attitude to facts? Does the UK have robust enough rules to ensure that government communications serve the public not partisan interest? And how is it possible to plan government communications when those plans are constantly blown away by overnight developments in the US? To discuss these questions and more, the Institute for Government, in partnership with Vuelio, was delighted to bring together an expert panel including: Katy Balls, Washington Editor for The Times Simon Baugh, Chief Executive of Government Communications, 2021–25 Alastair Campbell, former No.10 Chief Press Secretary (1997–2000) and No.10 Director of Communications (2000–03) and presenter of the Rest is Politics podcast. Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government This webinar was chaired by Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Vuelio for kindly supporting this event.

Are public inquiries a good way for government to learn lessons by Institute for Government

Just hours after Rachel Reeves sets out the budget to parliament, this webinar brought together a team of Institute for Government (IfG) experts to share their instant and essential analysis of the chancellor’s plans. Who are the winners and losers of Reeves’s tax and spending announcements? How will her measures affect economic growth? Has the chancellor finally set a coherent tax strategy? And what challenges now lie ahead for Keir Starmer’s government? To answer these questions and more, this budget day webinar from the IfG brought together an expert line up featuring Dan Haile, Jill Rutter, and Giles Wilkes. The webinar was chaired by Dr Hannah White.

On 20 November 2025, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry will publish its second report. This module focuses on political and administrative decision making during the pandemic, examining how key decisions were made across government, and civil service performance. This report will also include perspectives from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In a rapid reaction webinar the following day, our expert IfG panel unpacked the report’s findings and explored their implications for future governance: Tim Durrant, Programme Director for the IfG Ministers work programme Stuart Hoddinott, Associate Director at the IfG Akash Paun, Programme Director for the IfG Devolution work programme Alex Thomas, Programme Director for the IfG Civil Service work programme The webinar was chaired by Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government.