Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
Explore our research and analysis
Ministerial directions
Ministerial directions are formal instructions telling departments to proceed with a spending proposal, despite objection from permanent secretaries.
Foreign Office politics
Former ambassador and No.10 adviser Tom Fletcher joins us to explore the UK’s global status and what David Cameron's return has meant for the FCDO.
Will 2024 be the year of (more) populism?
The Expert Factor team explore what populism could mean for the numerous elections set to take place over 2024.
The government's Sentencing Bill won’t fix its prison problems
Increasing sentences is empty rhetoric given our packed prisons.
Seven things we learned from the Preparing for Power podcast
The general election campaign will dominate the coming months – but time and energy must be spent on preparing for what comes after.
Biden v Trump: What is at stake in the 2024 US presidential election?
The Expert Factor team take a deep breath and take a deep dive into US politics.
Cat Little starts her new job at a testing time for the civil service
Staff numbers, low morale and structural change are pressing concerns for the civil service.
Brexit is not done – and the UK needs to rethink how it manages its relationship with the EU
Whoever wins the election will face seven key Brexit questions.
Where next for levelling up?
This short paper highlights five key challenges that any government seeking to reduce regional inequalities will need to address.
Putting analysis and assessment at the heart of government
It is not only during crises that good analysis and assessment is vital.