Cath Haddon
@cathhaddon.bsky.social
Programme Director for IFG Academy @instituteforgov.bsky.social
+ history, Whitehall geekiness and constitutional agony aunt Subscribe to our newsletter: http://bit.ly/3dxiJ5J
+ history, Whitehall geekiness and constitutional agony aunt Subscribe to our newsletter: http://bit.ly/3dxiJ5J
Reposted by Cath Haddon
PODCAST 🎙️Wes Streeting’s government health-check
What does the health sec’s verdict on the government say about Starmer and the challenges he and his ministers face in 2026? Our podcast team reflect on our annual conference.
PLUS Whitehall Monitor www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
What does the health sec’s verdict on the government say about Starmer and the challenges he and his ministers face in 2026? Our podcast team reflect on our annual conference.
PLUS Whitehall Monitor www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Wes Streeting’s government health-check | Institute for Government
What does the health secretary’s verdict on the government say about Keir Starmer and the challenges he and his ministers face in 2026?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 16, 2026 at 1:07 PM
PODCAST 🎙️Wes Streeting’s government health-check
What does the health sec’s verdict on the government say about Starmer and the challenges he and his ministers face in 2026? Our podcast team reflect on our annual conference.
PLUS Whitehall Monitor www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
What does the health sec’s verdict on the government say about Starmer and the challenges he and his ministers face in 2026? Our podcast team reflect on our annual conference.
PLUS Whitehall Monitor www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Excited to be joining the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk team in March to continue the great work @cathhaddon.bsky.social and team have been doing at the @ifgacademy.bsky.social.
Thank you for the warm welcome I have received already!
Thank you for the warm welcome I have received already!
I’m delighted to announce that @msvkelliott.bsky.social will be joining our team at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk in early March as the new Director of the IfG Academy - our learning and development arm. Welcome Vicky!
Vicky Elliott (@msvkelliott.bsky.social)
Head of Leadership at the UK's Local Government Association. On secondment from the Cabinet Office. Linguist. Views my own.
msvkelliott.bsky.social
January 16, 2026 at 3:24 PM
Excited to be joining the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk team in March to continue the great work @cathhaddon.bsky.social and team have been doing at the @ifgacademy.bsky.social.
Thank you for the warm welcome I have received already!
Thank you for the warm welcome I have received already!
Reposted by Cath Haddon
After Darren Jones joined IfG this week, @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and I had some thoughts about how he can make good on his plans for reforming the state:
- show that his plan is different to those that have come before
- ensure he's not spreading himself too thinly
- set a clear vision
- show that his plan is different to those that have come before
- ensure he's not spreading himself too thinly
- set a clear vision
After a good start, Darren Jones needs to set out his plan for radical state reform
New plans must be bold enough to meaningfully shift the dial on an intransigent state www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/darr...
New plans must be bold enough to meaningfully shift the dial on an intransigent state www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/darr...
After a good start, Darren Jones needs to set out his plan for radical state reform | Institute for Government
New plans must be bold enough to meaningfully shift the dial on an intransigent state.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 16, 2026 at 1:01 PM
After Darren Jones joined IfG this week, @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and I had some thoughts about how he can make good on his plans for reforming the state:
- show that his plan is different to those that have come before
- ensure he's not spreading himself too thinly
- set a clear vision
- show that his plan is different to those that have come before
- ensure he's not spreading himself too thinly
- set a clear vision
Reposted by Cath Haddon
After a good start, Darren Jones needs to set out his plan for radical state reform
New plans must be bold enough to meaningfully shift the dial on an intransigent state www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/darr...
New plans must be bold enough to meaningfully shift the dial on an intransigent state www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/darr...
After a good start, Darren Jones needs to set out his plan for radical state reform | Institute for Government
New plans must be bold enough to meaningfully shift the dial on an intransigent state.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 16, 2026 at 12:24 PM
After a good start, Darren Jones needs to set out his plan for radical state reform
New plans must be bold enough to meaningfully shift the dial on an intransigent state www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/darr...
New plans must be bold enough to meaningfully shift the dial on an intransigent state www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/darr...
So pleased for the @ifgacademy.bsky.social that Vicky is joining. It's been an absolute joy to lead the Academy for its first three years and to be part of the Academy's success. The growing interest in government and beyond for a different approach to making government better is great to see.
I’m delighted to announce that @msvkelliott.bsky.social will be joining our team at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk in early March as the new Director of the IfG Academy - our learning and development arm. Welcome Vicky!
Vicky Elliott (@msvkelliott.bsky.social)
Head of Leadership at the UK's Local Government Association. On secondment from the Cabinet Office. Linguist. Views my own.
msvkelliott.bsky.social
January 16, 2026 at 12:47 PM
So pleased for the @ifgacademy.bsky.social that Vicky is joining. It's been an absolute joy to lead the Academy for its first three years and to be part of the Academy's success. The growing interest in government and beyond for a different approach to making government better is great to see.
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Our 13th edition of Whitehall Monitor, our annual data-led assessment of the size, shape and performance of the civil service, is out.
📺 Watch as @hannahkeenan.bsky.social tells us more about Labour's efforts to rewire the state.
📖 Read the report www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
📺 Watch as @hannahkeenan.bsky.social tells us more about Labour's efforts to rewire the state.
📖 Read the report www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
January 14, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Our 13th edition of Whitehall Monitor, our annual data-led assessment of the size, shape and performance of the civil service, is out.
📺 Watch as @hannahkeenan.bsky.social tells us more about Labour's efforts to rewire the state.
📖 Read the report www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
📺 Watch as @hannahkeenan.bsky.social tells us more about Labour's efforts to rewire the state.
📖 Read the report www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
What does Trump mean for relations between the UK and Europe, and the rest of the world?
Sir Simon Fraser, Fiona Hill and @anandmenon.bsky.social will join @drhannahwhite.bsky.social to discuss the impact of Trump's presidency on the UK and Europe🌍
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/trump-...
Sir Simon Fraser, Fiona Hill and @anandmenon.bsky.social will join @drhannahwhite.bsky.social to discuss the impact of Trump's presidency on the UK and Europe🌍
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/trump-...
January 14, 2026 at 2:22 PM
What does Trump mean for relations between the UK and Europe, and the rest of the world?
Sir Simon Fraser, Fiona Hill and @anandmenon.bsky.social will join @drhannahwhite.bsky.social to discuss the impact of Trump's presidency on the UK and Europe🌍
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/trump-...
Sir Simon Fraser, Fiona Hill and @anandmenon.bsky.social will join @drhannahwhite.bsky.social to discuss the impact of Trump's presidency on the UK and Europe🌍
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/trump-...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to a fantastic @instituteforgovernment.org.uk annual conference today - we have had a series of fascinating conversations and - if you missed them - you can watch them all back on our website here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Government 2026: IfG's annual conference | Institute for Government
Join us as we bring together influential speakers and experts to explore the key questions for government in 2026.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 5:08 PM
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to a fantastic @instituteforgovernment.org.uk annual conference today - we have had a series of fascinating conversations and - if you missed them - you can watch them all back on our website here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Good to hear Mel Stride defending the OBR. And rightly pointing out it’s the chancellor who sets fiscal targets and policy, not the OBR - and the OBR's role is to provide a transparent, independent judgement of whether those targets will be met
16:30–17:15 | A keynote speech by Rt Hon Sir Mel Stride MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer
Last but not least, the shadow chancellor will deliver a speech, followed by a conversation with @alexgathomas.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Last but not least, the shadow chancellor will deliver a speech, followed by a conversation with @alexgathomas.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
January 13, 2026 at 5:22 PM
Good to hear Mel Stride defending the OBR. And rightly pointing out it’s the chancellor who sets fiscal targets and policy, not the OBR - and the OBR's role is to provide a transparent, independent judgement of whether those targets will be met
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Do not miss our next event: In conversation with Rt Hon @darrenpjones.bsky.social MP, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister
Starting in 10 minutes!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Starting in 10 minutes!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
January 13, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Do not miss our next event: In conversation with Rt Hon @darrenpjones.bsky.social MP, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister
Starting in 10 minutes!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Starting in 10 minutes!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Darren Jones at the IfG just started:
DJ says both his roles are about performance of government. Efficiency of the system, showing delivery is different to outcomes, and improving communications.
And as CSPM, I exercise the PM's authority on his behalf. When I give a steer, it's the PM's.
DJ says both his roles are about performance of government. Efficiency of the system, showing delivery is different to outcomes, and improving communications.
And as CSPM, I exercise the PM's authority on his behalf. When I give a steer, it's the PM's.
January 13, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Darren Jones at the IfG just started:
DJ says both his roles are about performance of government. Efficiency of the system, showing delivery is different to outcomes, and improving communications.
And as CSPM, I exercise the PM's authority on his behalf. When I give a steer, it's the PM's.
DJ says both his roles are about performance of government. Efficiency of the system, showing delivery is different to outcomes, and improving communications.
And as CSPM, I exercise the PM's authority on his behalf. When I give a steer, it's the PM's.
Reposted by Cath Haddon
At the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk annual conference, Darren Jones sets out what his role is all about: recognising that delivery is different to policy, getting comms clear about government successes, and exercising the authority of the PM across the system
January 13, 2026 at 2:50 PM
At the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk annual conference, Darren Jones sets out what his role is all about: recognising that delivery is different to policy, getting comms clear about government successes, and exercising the authority of the PM across the system
Great to see coverage of Gov26 @instituteforgovernment.org.uk annual conference and we’re not even halfway through the day…
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Wes Streeting attacks centre-left for ‘excuses culture’ of blaming civil service
In remarks that will be seen as criticism of Starmer allies, health secretary says own side are helping right ‘roll the pitch’
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Great to see coverage of Gov26 @instituteforgovernment.org.uk annual conference and we’re not even halfway through the day…
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Great to hear @officialedballs.bsky.social at our IfG panel talking about how government can, and did in the past, pull together and deliver on cross-cutting priorities - with dual responsibility for spending/pooled budgets. These, and shared outcomes, can help incentivise proper collaboration
January 13, 2026 at 11:49 AM
Great to hear @officialedballs.bsky.social at our IfG panel talking about how government can, and did in the past, pull together and deliver on cross-cutting priorities - with dual responsibility for spending/pooled budgets. These, and shared outcomes, can help incentivise proper collaboration
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Louise Casey really bringing to life what this means in practice for how stuff gets done in the civil service:
"And I look at a grade 5 [deputy director] and think god love you, on a good day you might make a decision that an HEO used to make"
"And I look at a grade 5 [deputy director] and think god love you, on a good day you might make a decision that an HEO used to make"
The workforce continues to become more senior. Part of this is automation meaning fewer jobs at the lower levels, but part is grade inflation - where people are promoted more quickly or roles offered at a higher level than they might otherwise have been to get around pay restraint
January 13, 2026 at 9:52 AM
Louise Casey really bringing to life what this means in practice for how stuff gets done in the civil service:
"And I look at a grade 5 [deputy director] and think god love you, on a good day you might make a decision that an HEO used to make"
"And I look at a grade 5 [deputy director] and think god love you, on a good day you might make a decision that an HEO used to make"
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Louise Casey blunt on grade inflation in the civil service - compares decisions grade 5s make now to those fast streamers used to make…
January 13, 2026 at 9:49 AM
Louise Casey blunt on grade inflation in the civil service - compares decisions grade 5s make now to those fast streamers used to make…
Starting now!!
Next event about to start: In conversation with Louise Casey, Baroness Casey of Blackstock DBE CB who will discuss her work across the public sector with @drhannahwhite.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
January 13, 2026 at 9:42 AM
Starting now!!
Wes Streeting kicking off our conference
“Our fortunes are in our hands”. Says government needs to take control of turning around the pessimism about government.
“Our fortunes are in our hands”. Says government needs to take control of turning around the pessimism about government.
January 13, 2026 at 8:45 AM
Wes Streeting kicking off our conference
“Our fortunes are in our hands”. Says government needs to take control of turning around the pessimism about government.
“Our fortunes are in our hands”. Says government needs to take control of turning around the pessimism about government.
Then at 11.45 it’s the big launch of Whitehall Monitor 2026 our major analysis of the shape, size and performance of the civil service and we’ll dig into how that rewiring is going.
And that’s just the morning!
And that’s just the morning!
Rewiring the state: Is the government making any progress?
This panel will draw on the brand new Whitehall Monitor 2026, presented by @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and will give its verdict on the government's attempts to reform the civil service @andyburnham.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social
This panel will draw on the brand new Whitehall Monitor 2026, presented by @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and will give its verdict on the government's attempts to reform the civil service @andyburnham.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social
January 13, 2026 at 7:21 AM
Then at 11.45 it’s the big launch of Whitehall Monitor 2026 our major analysis of the shape, size and performance of the civil service and we’ll dig into how that rewiring is going.
And that’s just the morning!
And that’s just the morning!
At 10.30 we’ll look at exclusive polling with @kellyipsosuk.bsky.social on how the public view government’s efforts and discuss whether the centre is set up to deliver with @officialedballs.bsky.social @gilesyb.bsky.social and @ayeshahazarika.bsky.social
Our next panel will explore how well No.10 and the Treasury work together to deliver the government's economic priorities
With @officialedballs.bsky.social @kellyipsosuk.bsky.social @ayeshahazarika.bsky.social @gilesyb.bsky.social
Watch online: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
With @officialedballs.bsky.social @kellyipsosuk.bsky.social @ayeshahazarika.bsky.social @gilesyb.bsky.social
Watch online: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
January 13, 2026 at 7:19 AM
At 10.30 we’ll look at exclusive polling with @kellyipsosuk.bsky.social on how the public view government’s efforts and discuss whether the centre is set up to deliver with @officialedballs.bsky.social @gilesyb.bsky.social and @ayeshahazarika.bsky.social
After Streeting, Louise Casey joins Hannah to discuss all things government, the civil service and what it’s like to be repeatedly brought in as a super sub to fix things in government.
After the speech by Wes Streeting, Baroness Louise Casey, the government's Lead Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Independent Commission into Adult Social Care, will discuss her work across the public sector with @drhannahwhite.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
January 13, 2026 at 7:12 AM
After Streeting, Louise Casey joins Hannah to discuss all things government, the civil service and what it’s like to be repeatedly brought in as a super sub to fix things in government.
Government 2026 @instituteforgovernment.org.uk annual conference kicks off in a little over an hour with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Join us online using the link below.
Join us online using the link below.
We are really pleased to announce that our Government 2026 annual conference at the IfG will kick start with a keynote speech by Wes Streeting at 8:30am. He will be in conversation with @drhannahwhite.bsky.social
Join us online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Join us online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
January 13, 2026 at 7:09 AM
Government 2026 @instituteforgovernment.org.uk annual conference kicks off in a little over an hour with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Join us online using the link below.
Join us online using the link below.
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Rewiring the state: Is the government making any progress?
This panel will draw on the brand new Whitehall Monitor 2026, presented by @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and will give its verdict on the government's attempts to reform the civil service @andyburnham.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social
This panel will draw on the brand new Whitehall Monitor 2026, presented by @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and will give its verdict on the government's attempts to reform the civil service @andyburnham.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social
January 12, 2026 at 9:48 AM
Rewiring the state: Is the government making any progress?
This panel will draw on the brand new Whitehall Monitor 2026, presented by @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and will give its verdict on the government's attempts to reform the civil service @andyburnham.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social
This panel will draw on the brand new Whitehall Monitor 2026, presented by @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and will give its verdict on the government's attempts to reform the civil service @andyburnham.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social
Reposted by Cath Haddon
So if the programme for our Government 2026 conference tomorrow wasn’t already stellar enough, delighted to say we will be opening with a keynote from @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social (with @darrenpjones.bsky.social Mel Stride @andyburnham.bsky.social Louise Casey, Ed Balls already announced!)
January 12, 2026 at 2:53 PM
So if the programme for our Government 2026 conference tomorrow wasn’t already stellar enough, delighted to say we will be opening with a keynote from @rthonwesstreeting.bsky.social (with @darrenpjones.bsky.social Mel Stride @andyburnham.bsky.social Louise Casey, Ed Balls already announced!)
Reposted by Cath Haddon
We are really pleased to announce that our Government 2026 annual conference at the IfG will kick start with a keynote speech by Wes Streeting at 8:30am. He will be in conversation with @drhannahwhite.bsky.social
Join us online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Join us online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
January 12, 2026 at 1:40 PM
We are really pleased to announce that our Government 2026 annual conference at the IfG will kick start with a keynote speech by Wes Streeting at 8:30am. He will be in conversation with @drhannahwhite.bsky.social
Join us online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Join us online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...