Alex Thomas
Programme Director
Alex's recent work
Liz Truss blaming the deep state is an excuse for failure
Liz Truss's deep state delusions are undermining any serious argument she might make.
The PCS challenge on arms sales to Israel shows the strengths and limits of civil service unions
Civil service unions have a particular responsibility to show restraint on political activity.
Declining fast stream applications are a warning sign for the civil service
The fast stream is one of the UK’s best graduate schemes.
All work
The government’s winter Covid plan is too optimistic
The government's autumn and winter plan does not do enough to prepare for the worst
Reshuffle at last
After months of rumours, Boris Johnson has reshuffled his cabinet .
Lee Cain guest paper: IfG response
Lee Cain is right that government communications need an overhaul
The government’s Covid policy is collapsing under the weight of its own contradictions
The prime minister has failed to justify a coronavirus policy that is contradictory, confused and will not work.
Smarter government
The Commission for Smart Government's steps for reforms will need to triumph over entrenched political interests as well as improving the skills of mi
Government reform
Michael Gove has set out a new plan for reforming the civil service. But its success must be judged by how long the momentum for reform lasts.
The civil service must do more to improve its socio-economic diversity
The civil service’s claim to be a true meritocracy will be hollow unless it improves career prospects for those from disadvantaged backgrounds
The answers to Dominic Cummings’s critique
Dominic Cummings rightly identified the need for reform – but was short on prescription. The government still shows appetite for reform – but what cha
The questions to ask Dominic Cummings
The select committee interrogating Dominic Cummings needs to make sure he answers questions on their terms, not his own
Improving ethical standards in government
Greensill, and subsequent revelations on relations between private sector interests and the government, have exposed serious weaknesses in the rules o