Research and analysis
We examine the questions that matter most for effective government.
Explore our research and analysis
Party conferences
Every autumn, UK political parties hold their annual conferences – gatherings of politicians, party members and affiliated groups.
The UK needs a functioning system of arm’s-length governance, not a flock of handy scapegoats
Ministers too often misunderstand the role of arm's-length bodies
Government needs a plan B in case it is forced to close schools again
The prime minister insists that all schools will open again in September, but he must be prepared in case a tactical retreat is needed
The GB–EU border
This explainer sets out the checks that take place at the GB–EU border.
Four things government must learn from the A-level algorithm fiasco
The government to learn from the shambolic handling of A-level results
Getting rid of Public Health England will not make dealing with the coronavirus pandemic easier
Public Health England hasn’t had a good crisis. But replacing it with a new agency will be disruptive and may not fix the problem.
Cabinet manual
The cabinet manual is a document which sets out rules and procedures for the operation of government.
Devolution and the NHS
In the UK, the NHS is the umbrella term for the four health systems of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Check, change, and going nowhere – the government’s Brexit communications plan is falling short
The government’s current Brexit communications strategy is unlikely to drive the action it wants
Trade and regulation: chlorinated chicken just a taster of problems ahead
The government needs to change its approach to regulatory trade issues