![Emma Norris](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_full_width_desktop/public/2023-01/emma-norris-326x326.jpg?itok=XOQmEMmG)
Emma Norris
Deputy Director
Emma's recent work
![](/sites/default/files/styles/medium_card_desktop/public/2024-06/rough-sleeping-2X1KK8M-1504x846px.jpg?h=dd1b06b1&itok=9TaXkCer)
What Angela Rayner’s new homelessness unit can learn from New Labour
Tackling homelessness is a difficult challenge – but there are ways to succeed.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/medium_card_desktop/public/2024-05/infected-blood-report-2X7HMX9-1504x846px.jpg?h=5a858233&itok=tlLxHgKl)
Three questions that will determine the Infected Blood Inquiry’s success
The Infected Blood Inquiry should be a catalyst for confronting other injustices.
![](/sites/default/files/styles/medium_card_desktop/public/2023-10/rishi-sunak-keir-starmer-composite-party-conference-2023-1504x846px.png?h=07e9081f&itok=bKrGZRC6)
The parties should focus on substance as well as sales ahead of the election
Election fever is hotting up in the aftermath of the local elections.
All work
The coronavirus inquiry
Boris Johnson should establish his promised public inquiry into the government’s handling of coronavirus in May.
The prime minister is wrong to say that coronavirus lessons can wait
The coronavirus crisis is far from over, but the government is wrong to say that it is too early to learn from the mistakes it has made
Net zero: how government can meet its climate change target
Stronger leadership and co-ordination from the prime minister is needed if the UK’s commitment to reach net zero by 2050 is to be credible.
There needs to be a rapid review on coronavirus as part of a full public inquiry
A rapid review into the government’s handling of the coronavirus crisis is also essential to be better prepared for a second wave
The role of the PM is more important than Alok Sharma’s when it comes to COP26
The decision to give the job of preparing for the global climate summit to a minister also running a major department reduces the chances of success
Government reshuffles: the case for keeping ministers in post longer
Boris Johnson should keep his ministers in place – excessive turnover means they never get properly on top of their brief.
Whitehall is braced for more Brexit challenges, big government changes and a backlog of work
As the election campaign draws to a close, Emma Norris identifies the challenges that await civil servants in the weeks and months ahead.
Manifestos still matter even though their promises aren't being delivered
The publication of party manifestos is a big moment in a general election campaign. Parties set out their plans for running the country. Policies are
The general election will be unusually difficult for the civil service
Brexit means the 2019 campaign will cause new levels of uncertainty for the civil service.
Grenfell shows the need for rapid inquiry recommendations
Public inquiries need to be faster at helping prevent repeat tragedies..