Support for special advisers
Special advisers play a key role supporting ministers, but the role is not well understood and advisers themselves often get little support.
Key reading for special advisers
Special advisers and the Johnson government
How Boris Johnson's changes to the role of special advisers disempowered ministers and undermined the quality of decision making in government.
WhatsApp in government
Government must introduce rigorous WhatsApp guidance for ministers, special advisers and officials.
The unelected lynchpin: Why government needs special advisers
How special advisers drive through policy by reconciling many different interests.
In defence of special advisers
The life of a special adviser and how the role might be made more effective.
Special advisers
How special advisers (also known as “spads”) work, what their responsibilities are and who they are.
Find out moreEvents on special advisers
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.
The scrutiny of special advisers
Special advisers play an essential role throughout government. But is their role about to change?
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.
IfG Academy team
Catherine Haddon
Programme Director
Tim Durrant
Programme Director