Institute for Government

Dec 04 2024 500 ep. 57 mins 1k

Institute for Government Podcast artwork

The leading think tank working to make UK government more effective. Stay up to date with all of our commentary, analysis and events by visiting our website and subscribing to our newsletter.

Copy RSS

Subscribe on Podcast Addict

In conversation with Cat Little, Civil Service Chief Operating Officer

Dec 04 2024 57 mins

The government has set out its intention to support the civil service with the necessary tools to deliver for the public. As the IfG has argued, reforms to improve the capability of the civil service are needed – particularly in a tight fiscal situation where efficient and effective government is essential. We believe there are a variety of areas for attention. These include redu

In conversation with Cat Little, Civil Service Chief Operating Officer

Dec 04 2024 57 mins

The government has set out its intention to support the civil service with the necessary tools to deliver for the public. As the IfG has argued, reforms to improve the capability of the civil service are needed – particularly in a tight fiscal situation where efficient and effective government is essential. We believe there are a variety of areas for attention. These include redu

The new cabinet secretary: Can Sir Chris Wormald rewire the British state?

Dec 02 2024 51 mins

Following weeks of interviews and much speculation, Sir Chris Wormald has been confirmed as the new cabinet secretary. After a long civil service career, including stints as permanent secretary at the Department of Health and Social Care and the Department for Education and Skills, Wormald will succeed Simon Case and begin work as the country's most senior civil servant. Keir Starm

What next for standards in public life?

Nov 20 2024 61 mins

Thirty years ago, following a series of high-profile political scandals, John Major set up the Committee on Standards in Public Life (CSPL) to advise him – and future prime ministers – on ethics and behaviour. So has the CSPL been a success – and what might come next for standards in public life? Over the last three decades the committee has been an influential voice on the

In conversation with Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister of Scotland

Nov 18 2024 61 mins

The Institute for Government was pleased to welcome Kate Forbes MSP, Deputy First Minister (DFM) of Scotland and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic, for an 'in conversation' event on 18 November 2024. The DFM reflected on the 10th anniversary of the Scottish independence referendum and the 25th anniversary of Scottish devolution. She also discussed the state of Scotland's ec

What kind of reform does the NHS need?

Nov 17 2024 60 mins

The Labour government has inherited an NHS in crisis. Pre-existing challenges of growing demand, an ageing population, and high levels of staff vacancies have been exacerbated by the pandemic, resulting in record backlogs and waiting times. With substantial increases in hospital funding and staffing failing to turn performance round, the new government must help the NHS through th

In conversation with Lord Blunkett

Nov 12 2024 47 mins

An in conversation with Lord Blunkett, former Home Secretary and Secretary of State for Education and Employment, and Emma Norris, Deputy Director of the Institute for Government. This event was part of the IfG's public services conference, kindly supported by UCL.

Funding public services: What do spending plans mean for performance?

Nov 12 2024 61 mins

On 30 October, the new government announced spending plans for 2025/26, with a spending review covering 2025/26 to 2027/28 due to be published in the spring. What are the implications of these spending plans for public service performance in 2025/26? What options should the spending review consider for raising revenue and boosting productivity? How can the government improve public

A view from the opposition: What should the Conservative Party’s vision for public services be?

Nov 12 2024 59 mins

Dissatisfaction with public services was a key reason for the Conservative defeat in the general election. How can the new party leader and frontbench regain public trust for running public services? What are the key elements of a distinctive Conservative vision for public services? How should the Conservative Party balance demands for higher public service spending and lower taxat

The criminal justice system: Is there a way to fix it?

Nov 12 2024 58 mins

The new government faces an extremely challenging inheritance in the criminal justice system. How can trust in the police and charging rates be improved? How can criminal court backlogs be tackled? How can government improve conditions and capacity in prisons? How can individual criminal justice services work together more effectively? And does the new government have a plan to add