Explore every episode of the podcast IfG Events

From hospitals to schools, policing and local government, the effects of Labour’s promised reforms to public services are now being felt. Waiting times for some NHS services have improved, absence from schools is falling, and knife crime and neighbourhood crime have both fallen. But despite these signs of improvement, a thorny set of problems across public services could threaten Andy Burnham’s own ambitious reform agenda.   The launch event for the IfG’s annual Public Services Performance Tracker, funded by the Nuffield Foundation, considered Keir Starmer’s legacy on public service improvement, how Burnham can deliver tangible improvements before the next election, and what choices face John Healey at his first budget and subsequent spending review. Our expert panel considered: What is Andy Burnham’s public service inheritance? How much progress did Keir Starmer’s government make on public services? What are the biggest public service challenges that need to be addressed over the rest of the parliament? How might Burnham’s devolution agenda transform public services? What are the implications for the budget and next year’s spending review? To discuss these questions and more, we were joined by: Amber Dellar, Researcher at the Institute for Government Stuart Hoddinott, Associate Director at the Institute for Government Cassia Rowland, Associate Director at the Institute for Government This webinar was chaired by Thomas Pope, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government. Mark Franks, Director of Welfare at the Nuffield Foundation, made opening remarks.  We would like to thank the Nuffield Foundation for kindly supporting this event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This discussion was part of the Institute for Government's programme of events at the Conservative Party Conference 2026. Speakers: Heather Blundell, CEO of Grayling Rt Hon Baroness Thérèse Coffey, former Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Lord Michael Gove, Editor of The Spectator This event was chaired by Vicky Elliott, Director at the Institute for Government  This event was in partnership with The Spectator. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This discussion was part of the Institute for Government's programme of events at the Conservative Party Conference 2026. Speakers: Helen Whately MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Helen Barnard, Director of Policy and Research at Trussell Fraser Nelson, Columnist at The Times Ben Paxton, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Thomas Pope, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government.  This event was in partnership with Trussell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This event took place at the Green Party Conference. Dr Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government was joined by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle, former Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales (2012–16). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This discussion was part of the Institute for Government's programme of events at the Labour Party Conference. Speakers: Mallory Durran, Chief Technology Officer at Nesta Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council and Cabinet Member for Innovation at the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Cassia Rowland, Associate Director at the Institute for Government Rachel Taylor, UK Government & Health Industries Leader and Global Government & Public Sector Leader at PwC This event was chaired by Nick Davies, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.  This event was in partnership with PwC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This discussion was part of the Institute for Government's programme of events at the Conservative Party Conference. Speakers: Alex Burghart MP, Deputy Leader of the Conservative Party This event was chaired by Alex Thomas, Executive Director at the Institute for Government.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This discussion was part of the Institute for Government's programme of events at the Conservative Party Conference. Speakers: Baroness Neville-Rolfe, Shadow Minister (Treasury) Henry Hill, Editor of The Critic Rt Hon Lord Maude of Horsham, Founder and Chairman of Francis Maude Associates Sarah Woolnough, Chief Executive of The King's Fund This event was chaired by Dr Matthew Gill, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This discussion was part of the Institute for Government's programme of events at the Conservative Party Conference. Speakers: Baroness Finn of Swansea, Shadow Minister for the Cabinet Office Dr Patrick English, Head of Elections and Political and Social Data at YouGov Lucy Harris, former MEP and Conservative Special Adviser Salma Shah, IfG Senior fellow and former Conservative Special Adviser Tom Skinner, former Conservative Special Adviser This event was chaired by Alex Thomas, Executive Director at the Institute for Government.  This event was in partnership with YouGov. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This event was part of the IfG's programme of events at the Labour Party Conference 2026. Speakers: Paul Waugh MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Early Education) Lynn Perry MBE, Chief Executive Officer at Barnardo's Sarah Ronan, Executive Director at the Early Education and Childcare Coalition Matt Towner, Director of Programmes at Impact on Urban Health Alistair Strathern MP, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the Labour Group for Men and Boys This event was chaired by Nehal Davison, former Programme Director at the Institute for Government.  This event was in partnership with Barnardo’s and Impact on Urban Health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This event was part of the IfG's programme of events at the Labour Party Conference 2026. Speakers: Mayor Kim McGuinness, Mayor of North East England Cllr Fran Belbin, Leader of Sheffield City Council Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor at The University of Manchester Mark Rogers, Interim Chief Executive, Sussex & Brighton Strategic Authority  This event was chaired by Akash Paun, Programme Director at the Institute for Government.  This event was in partnership with The University of Manchester. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This event was part of the IfG's programme of events at the Labour Party Conference 2026. Speakers: Dame Meg Hillier MP, Chair of the Treasury Select Committee Rt Hon Alan Milburn, Chair of the Young People and Work Review Ben Paxton, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government Dr Kate Summers, British Academy Post Doctoral Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science This event was chaired by Thomas Pope, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government.  This event was in partnership with the London School of Economics and Political Science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This event was part of the IfG's programme of events at the Labour Party Conference. Speakers: Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State (Home Office) David Pinto-Duschinsky MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions, and former Special Adviser in the Home Office and Treasury James Reeve, Partner at PA Consulting Felicity Slater, former special adviser in No.10, Cabinet Office, and HM Treasury Jack Worlidge, Associate Director at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Hannah Keenan, Associate Director at the Institute for Government.  This event was in partnership with PA Consulting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This event was part of the IfG's programme of events at the Labour Party Conference 2026. Speakers: Sam Carling MP, Member of the Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs CommitteeChris Murray MP, Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeDr Sofia Ropek-Hewson, Senior Research Fellow and Interim Head of Decade of National Renewal Programme at IPPRJoel Spreadborough, Head of Policy and Impact at the Chartered Management Institute This event was chaired by Vicky Elliott, Director of the IfG Academy at the Institute for Government. This event was in partnership with IPPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Giles Wilkes, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government was joined by Daisy Cooper MP, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats. Hannah Marwood, Head of Government Affairs at The Investment Association made opening remarks. This event was in partnership with The Investment Association. This event was part of the IfG's programme of events at the Liberal Democrat Conference 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

High-profile incidents of misconduct, political donations, and freebies have all raised concerns about standards and integrity in UK public life – so what more can be done to tackle corruption in national and local government? In his new book Corrupted Kingdom, Robert Barrington argues that corruption in Britain is not just a matter of isolated scandals but reflects deeper systemic vulnerabilities that risk undermining trust in democratic institutions. This Institute for Government event will bring together a panel of experts – including Robert – to explore the scale and nature of corruption risks in the UK today, examine where current safeguards are working or falling short, and discuss what reforms may be needed to strengthen transparency and accountability. Robert’s book argues political leaders are facing a clear choice: tackle corruption or continue on the road to decline. This event will explore what that choice looks like in practice – and whether the UK is ready to act. The event brought together an expert panel, including: Robert Barrington, author of Corrupted Kingdom: Britain's Disappearing Integrity – And How We Can Get It Back Jenna Corderoy, Investigative reporter at Democracy for Sale Kamila Kingstone, Defending Democracy Programme Lead at Spotlight on Corruption John Penrose, former government Anti-Corruption Champion The event was chaired by Vicky Elliott, Director of the IfG Academy at the Institute for Government.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The new prime minister has appointed his ministers and put his No.10 team in place. He has created a new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet. And set out some immediate policy changes while promising a 10-year plan later in the year. So what happens now? Having spent the summer setting out the new government's direction, how will Andy Burnham meet the challenge of being prime minister? How will he respond to parliamentary scrutiny? What do his spending choices mean for his fiscal policy? How might a challenging global situation impact his domestic policy? And what are his priorities at the upcoming Labour Party Conference? The event brought together an expert panel, including: Steph Driver, Keir Starmer’s former No.10 Communications Director Paul Johnson, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government and former Director of the Institute for Fiscal Studies (joining virtually) Neal Lawson, Executive Director at Compass Alex Thomas, Executive Director at the Institute for Government The event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, CEO of the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Institute for Government was pleased to welcome Daron Acemoglu, the Nobel Prize-winning co-author of Why Nations Fail, to discuss his new book: What Happened to Liberal Democracy? Remaking a Politics of Shared Prosperity. In his latest book, Daron Acemoglu, a Nobel Prize winner in economics, documents the rise and, some would argue, fall of liberal democracy, recounting how liberal democratic institutions plunged themselves into crisis over the last several decades. Looking at rapid advances in technology, shifts in regulatory environments, global political history, and economics, Acemoglu lays out the challenges to these institutions and sets out a new way forward, which he calls working-class liberalism: a philosophy that prioritizes shared prosperity, empowers communities, and accommodates a range of views – essential if liberal democracy is to survive in the 21st century. Daron Acemoglu was in conversation with Dr Hannah White, CEO of the Institute for Government, before taking part in an audience Q&A, followed by a book signing. Daron Acemoglu is a professor at MIT and Faculty Co-Director of MIT’s Shaping the Future of Work Initiative in Boston. Why Nations Fail (2012) has sold over one million copies globally. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Angela Rayner, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, has put plans to restructure local government on hold. So what went wrong and what happens next? The government’s ambitious local government reorganisation (LGR) programme, which affects around 41% of the population, aims to replace all county and district councils with a single tier of unitary local government. This would make it the largest LGR wave since 46 unitary authorities (UAs) were established between 1995 and 1997. Angela Rayner has now launched a full review of her predecessor’s decisions on future council boundaries, following new legal advice and in the face of a wave of judicial challenges. Rayner said she wanted to be satisfied the right process is in place and to test whether LGR proposals meet the priorities of the new prime minister. So how did this situation come about? What are the implications for trust between central government and local government? And how do these decisions affect broader ambitions for the government to rewire the state and deliver good growth in every postcode? As local leaders and the sector process the government’s decision, the IfG assembled an expert panel to respond to these developments, featuring: Amanda Askham, Partner, Consulting at Grant Thornton UK LLP Dr Matthew Fright, Associate Director at the Institute for Government Heather Jameson, Editor of The MJ Akash Paun, Director at the Institute for Government This event was chaired by Dr Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Grant Thornton UK LLP for kindly supporting this event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The government believes access to sufficient AI infrastructure and compute capacity will be critical for the UK’s economic growth, productivity and global competitiveness – but the UK is in a global race for investment, talent and consequential technological breakthroughs. So how can ministers and civil servants deliver the government’s ambitions? Last June, the government announced over £1bn of investment in the UK’s compute capacity, while the government’s Compute Roadmap outlines its strategic approach to building world-class compute infrastructure in the UK. But will this infrastructure translate into the growth and productivity gains that the government has forecast? How can government attract private sector investment? How can the Cabinet Office, DBIST, DCMS, HMT, DESNZ and No 10 best cooperate to drive the whole of the state in support of the strategy? And what are the key challenges for new prime minister Andy Burnham in realising the government’s AI infrastructure goals? To discuss all this and more, the IfG brought together an expert panel, including: Emily Darlington MP, Member of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee Matt Davies, Economic and Social Policy Lead at Ada Lovelace Institute Matthew Harris, Senior Vice President and Managing Director at HPE Mary Jones, Director for AI Adoption and Preparedness at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology The event was chaired by Heloise Dunlop, Researcher at the Institute for Government. We would like to thank Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) for kindly supporting this event. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first days and weeks of Andy Burnham's premiership have seen the prime minister promise to accelerate the devolution agenda, with the launch of Number 10 North demonstrating his commitment to take power away from London. But what can the prime minister do to make his devolution agenda succeed? How will No.10 North work constructively with the new Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet and other Whitehall departments? What does devolution mean for the government's public service agenda? And how will the rest of the country benefit from Burnham's plan to send more power from London to Manchester? The event brought together an expert panel, including: Thomas Pope, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government Luke Raikes, Deputy General Secretary at the Fabian Society Jennifer Williams, Northern Correspondent at the Financial Times The event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, CEO of the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Speakers: Cllr Stephen Atkinson, Leader of Lancashire County Council and Leader of the Local Government Association's Reform UK Group Justin Galliford, Chief Executive Officer at Norse Group Cllr Linden Kemkaran, Leader of Kent County Council Akash Paun, Programme Director (Devolution) at the Institute for Government Cllr Daniel Sutherland, Leader of Calderdale Council This event was chaired by Dr Hannah White, CEO of the Institute for Government. This event was in partnership with Norse Group. This event was part of the Institute for Government's programme of party conference events at the Reform UK Party Conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alex Thomas, Executive Director at the Institute for Government, was joined by Danny Kruger MP, head of Reform UK’s unit for preparing the party for government. This event was part of the Institute for Government's programme of party conference events at the Reform UK Party Conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Brexit Effect, edited by Sir Anthony Seldon, is a collection of over 30 essays on the impact of the referendum on whether the UK should stay in or leave the European Union. To discuss the book, the Institute for Government brought together some of its contributors to consider the continuing impact of that decision on the way the UK is governed and its place in the world. Sir Anthony Seldon, editor of The Brexit Effect, made opening remarks. That was followed by an expert panel, including: Helen MacNamara CB, author of the chapter on Brexit and civil service impartiality and former Deputy Cabinet Secretary Rt Hon David Miliband, author of the chapter on Britain’s economic standing and future relations with the EU and former Foreign Secretary 2007-10 Jill Rutter, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government and co-author of the chapter on Brexit and the quality of UK governance (with Alex Thomas) Marina Wheeler KC, author of the chapter on engaging with Europe as a sovereign nation This event was chaired by Alex Thomas, Executive Director for Impact, at the Institute for Government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Institute for Government was pleased to welcome Kemi Badenoch to give a keynote speech. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices