Any successful reform plan needs leaders across government to be invested in it. The authors of this paper argue that constructing an overarching narrative, publishing success criteria, and making it clear who is accountable for achieving them would be a good first step towards achieving this.

Supporting good public health is an important aim for any government. Not just because people value it highly, for themselves and their communities, but also because it is important for the economy. In June 2023, the Institute for Government and the Health Foundation jointly organised a roundtable bringing together experts and officials with experience working...

Current UK Government guidance states that public bodies should exist only ‘as a last resort’, when three narrow tests are met. This approach means government does not always use the appropriate mechanism to fulfil its objectives. The authors of this paper argue that the tests should be re-written in a more balanced way, so that...

Private offices provide essential assistance to ministers. But some struggle to recruit and retain experienced staff, and fail to deliver the support ministers need to achieve their aims in government. This report sets out how the civil service can improve private offices to ensure that every minister is supported capably.

The Institute for Government is undertaking research in preparation for the expected 2024 election in the United Kingdom and all its potential outcomes, including looking at how the Opposition and the civil service should prepare for a possible transition of government. In this report, the authors identify lessons for how Sir Keir Starmer should approach...