Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
Explore our research and analysis
More transparency is needed to support impartial civil service appointments
The civil service appointments of Emily Middleton and Ian Corfield are a reminder of the need for more transparency.
Civil service pay
How much are civil servants paid across government departments?
Alister Jack
Alister Jack discusses using his business experience, raising the UK government’s profile in Scotland, and disagreements with the Scottish government.
Does Sam Freedman have a plan to fix the failed state?
Sam Freedman, IfG senior fellow, joins Hannah White to discuss his new book, 'Failed State: Why nothing works and how to fix it'.
Speaker’s conference
The Commons Speaker can bring together MPs to debate specific topics.
Civil service recruitment
How are officials recruited to the civil service?
Can the government really deliver clean power by 2030?
Nick Butler, a top energy consultant and economist, joins the Expert Factor to explain what the government is trying to do and whether it will work.
The Labour government needs to address the unfinished Brexit business it inherited
The Conservative government did not get Brexit done. Labour will need to.
Election of select committee chairs and members in the House of Commons
This explainer sets how select committee chairs and members are elected.
The UK’s criminal justice system is ill-equipped to deal with riots
The hangover of austerity and court backlogs are hindering the government’s response to this summer’s violence.