The government published an updated list of special advisers and pay over £58k this week. The increase in special advisers has been criticised by some as going back on a pre-election pledge. The Institute has argued strongly for government to re-visit its pledge to slim down the number of special advisers because coalition government demands adequate support on both sides of the coalition to bridge the gap between politicians and civil servants, whose remit falls outside of party politics.
We have published a range of content on special advisers:
Select committee submissions
The Institute made a submission to the Public Administration Select Committee enquiry into the role of special advisers. Our submission is available to download (PDF).
Publications
United We Stand (PDF)
One year On (PDF)
Oiling the Machine: thoughts for special advisers working in Government 2010 (PDF)
Blogs
Not so special? Why we need a more thought out approach to special advisers, Zoe Gruhn, June 2012
A spad for all seasons: the reality for special advisers, Zoe Gruhn, May 2012
Special Treatment? Why the coalition is appointing more special advisers, Akash Paun, October 2011
Why special advisers are more than cabinet apprentices, Jonathan McClory, May 2011