The scrutiny of special advisers

Watch the event

Listen to the event

Special advisers play an essential role throughout government. But is their role about to change? With the government altering the way that special advisers are employed, how they are organised across government departments, and the extent to which they report to Number 10, special advisers – and the role play – could find themselves under increased scrutiny.

This event looked at how much influence special advisers have over public policy, how their work is scrutinised and what role their minister plays in holding them to account. The event is part of our wider work looking into the role of special advisers, and evaluating current changes the government is making to their work.

On our panel to discuss these issues were:

• Gavin Barwell, former Downing Street Chief of Staff
• Rt Hon David Lidington, former Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster
• Polly Mackenzie, Chief Executive of Demos and former Director of Policy to the Deputy Prime Minister
• Dr Catherine Haddon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government

The event was chaired by Tim Durrant, Associate Director at the Institute for Government.

Follow @ifgevents

#IfGspads