Working to make government more effective

Working to make government more effective

Downing Street

Ministers

We examine the role that ministers play in the UK government and how they can be most effective.

Our research, analysis, events and commentary look at the job of being a minister, what tools and strategies they use in their roles and how they work with the civil service. We analyse the ethical standards expected of ministers and how they are held to account.  

We regularly speak to former ministers about their time in office, and publish their thoughts in our archive of Ministers Reflect interviews. Through the IfG Academy, we offer practical advice and support – based on IfG research – for current and prospective ministers, special advisers and officials working in private offices, about how they can get things done during their time in office. 

If you’re interested in the IfG Academy’s support for private office teams, sign up to our bespoke newsletter.

Latest Ministers Reflect interviews

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IfG Ministers Database

The IfG Ministers Database holds information about all government ministers since 1979 – who served as a minister, in which roles, between which dates.

Watch or listen back
Starmer cabinet

What is it like being a minister?

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Getting things done in government

Twelve key lessons from former ministers on how to be effective in government.

Read the report
The door at No. 10 Downing Street.

Related projects

Ministers Reflect

Interviews with former ministers on the realities of the role and how to be effective in government.

IfG Academy

We help those working in government to improve it, and those outside government to understand and engage with it.

The cabinet

Ministers and their teams

The IfG Academy helps ministers to make the most of their time in office and those working closely with them to support them effectively.

Find out more
Labour ministers walking, including Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves.

Our ministers team