Emma Norris
Deputy Director
Emma's recent work
Twenty-five years on: what the national minimum wage teaches us about radical change
The national minimum wage is a case study in how to effectively design and deliver policy.
Rishi Sunak’s first year as prime minister: the IfG verdict
How has Rishi Sunak fared in his first 365 days as the UK’s prime minister? The IfG expert team weigh up the progress he has – or has not – made.
All work
There needs to be a rapid review on coronavirus as part of a full public inquiry
A rapid review into the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis is also essential to be better prepared for a second wave
The role of the PM is more important than Alok Sharma’s when it comes to COP26
The decision to give the job of preparing for the global climate summit to a minister also running a major department reduces the chances of success
Government reshuffles: the case for keeping ministers in post longer
Boris Johnson should keep his ministers in place – excessive turnover means they never get properly on top of their brief.
Whitehall is braced for more Brexit challenges, big government changes and a backlog of work
As the election campaign draws to a close, Emma Norris identifies the challenges that await civil servants in the weeks and months ahead.
Manifestos still matter even though their promises aren't being delivered
The publication of party manifestos is a big moment in a general election campaign. Parties set out their plans for running the country. Policies are
The general election will be unusually difficult for the civil service
Brexit means the 2019 campaign will cause new levels of uncertainty for the civil service.
Grenfell shows the need for rapid inquiry recommendations
Public inquiries need to be faster at helping prevent repeat tragedies..
Moving On: The cost of high staff turnover in the civil service
Staff turnover is weakening the civil service
Government procurement
One third of government’s spending is with contractors: last year, four departments spent more than half their budgets with external suppliers.
Rudd offers one last chance to turn Universal Credit around
Amber Rudd will have to start by reversing the defensive response to honest criticism of Universal Credit.