Policy making
We look at how government makes policy and develop ways to do it more effectively.
How the government can build more homes
This report sets out 10 principles for how government can overcome persistent barriers and build the homes England needs.
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Sharing innovations and policy successes
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Twenty-five years on: what the national minimum wage teaches us about radical change
The national minimum wage is a case study in how to effectively design and deliver policy.
What Angela Rayner’s new homelessness unit can learn from New Labour
Tackling homelessness is a difficult challenge – but there are ways to succeed.
Proposing change: How same-sex marriage became a government success story
Passing legislation to introduce same-sex marriage marked an important step in addressing the UK’s past legal discrimination against same-sex couples.
The development of the UK’s offshore wind sector 2010–16
What can this and future governments learn from the UK's successes in offshore wind policy in the 2010s?
Tackling complex, long-term problems
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How the government can build more homes
Why successive governments have found it difficult to deliver on housebuilding pledges.
Clean power by 2030
How Keir Starmer can knock down the 10 biggest barriers to Labour's 2030 clean power plan.
Tackling obesity
Government squeamishness on tackling obesity will mean higher taxes and lower productivity.
How to transform infrastructure decision making in the UK
How competing needs and perspectives can be balanced to improve three vital aspects of infrastructure policy: time, quality and cost.
Supporting policy making in practice
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Five steps the government must take to deliver its five missions
Labour says it will operate as a ‘mission-driven government’.
Using and commissioning research in government
Using research skilfully can be an effective way to strengthen your policies.
Using targets
Setting a target can be a useful signal of your political priorities – it is a clear way to communicate your aims to those responsible for delivery.
Managing extreme risks
The government has failed to learn from the Covid pandemic: the new administration must take action to ensure the UK is better prepared next time.
How to turn manifesto promises into tangible results
This series explores what Labour can learn from past policy making challenges and successes to deliver on its manifesto.
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Our events
See allThe future of the Civil Service Policy Profession: The end of the generalist?
Tamara Finkelstein and Lord Vallance join us to discuss the Civil Service Policy Profession.
How can the government accelerate its clean power mission?
An expert panel discuss the potential pitfalls to achieving Labour's clean power commitments.
Government 2025: IfG's annual conference
The IfG will bring together influential speakers and experts to explore the key questions for government in 2025.
How can the government effectively roll out EV charging infrastructure?
Lilian Greenwood MP joined our panel to discuss how the new government can speed up delivery of EV charging infrastructure.
Recent commentary
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Support with scrutiny: What are MPs for?
The debate on assisted dying could reshape the way MPs think about their jobs.
Eight ways Donald Trump might change British politics and policy
Many in British politics will take their cue from the US president – and Keir Starmer will need to respond.
More support would make the Sheffield Policy Campus success truly transformative
Sheffield can be a "test and learn pioneer" at the heart of the government's plans to rewire the civil service.
The government should not be criticised for commissioning policy reviews
Whether there are 67 reviews underway or not, the key is to learn from how past reviews worked.
Our explainers
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What was in the 2024 King’s Speech?
The Labour government has set out 40 bills – this explainer takes a closer look at what they are.
What is a manifesto?
Manifestos set out the policies a political party would deliver if they were to win a general election.
Party conferences
Every autumn, UK political parties hold their annual conferences – gatherings of politicians, party members and affiliated groups.
Our policy making team
Nehal Davison
Programme Director
Pat McFadden starts a long haul on public sector reform
Rosa Hodgkin
Senior Researcher
COP29: Keir Starmer needs to deliver on his bold clean power commitments
Sophie Metcalfe
Researcher