Working to make government more effective

Working to make government more effective

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Special advisers

Special advisers support ministers, represent their views to civil servants and journalists, and help them get things done in government.

The role of special advisers is crucial – they support ministers and ensure that the civil service is not expected to provide political advice. But the role is not well understood and is sometimes maligned.

We look at how special advisers (also known as “spads”) work, what their responsibilities are and who they are. We also look at how they can be better supported to achieve their – and most importantly, their minister’s – priorities.  

SpAdCast: What is it really like to be a special adviser? – podcast series

Special advisers are some of the most important yet misunderstood figures in government. This four-part series lifts the lid on what it is really like to do one of the most demanding – and influential – jobs in Whitehall, Westminster and beyond.

Listen to the series
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Our events

13 JUN 2023 Hybrid event
13 June 2023

What makes a successful special adviser?

An expert panel featuring Sonia Khan and Baroness Sally Morgan considered what skills are needed to be an effective special adviser.

01 DEC 2020 Online event
1 December 2020

Where next for special advisers?

Peter Cardwell, Salma Shah and John McTernan joined us to explore the role of spads following Dominic Cummings' departure from government.

15 JUL 2020 Online event
15 July 2020

The scrutiny of special advisers

Special advisers play an essential role throughout government. But is their role about to change?

26 MAR 2020 Online event
26 March 2020

Special advisers in government

Baroness Simone Finn, John McTernan and Salma Shah joined us to discuss the role of special advisers and how it is changing.

Support for special advisers

The IfG Academy can help new and potential future special advisers understand how government works, what ministers want from their teams and how they can get the best out of the officials in their departments.

Find out more
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