Special advisers
Special advisers support ministers, represent their views to civil servants and journalists, and help them get things done in government.
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
Our events
Spads under Starmer: How can Labour’s special advisers do the job well?
13:00 — 14:00This event discussed how special advisers can be most effective in government.
What makes a successful special adviser?
13:30 — 14:30An expert panel featuring Sonia Khan and Baroness Sally Morgan considered what skills are needed to be an effective special adviser.
Where next for special advisers?
13:00 — 14:00Peter Cardwell, Salma Shah and John McTernan joined us to explore the role of spads following Dominic Cummings' departure from government.
The scrutiny of special advisers
13:30 — 13:30Special advisers play an essential role throughout government. But is their role about to change?
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