Matthew Gill
@drmatthewgill.bsky.social
Reposted by Matthew Gill
Hot on the heels of yesterday's Covid inquiry report on decision making, @shaina-sangha.bsky.social and I have a new report out today looking at how combined epidemiological-economic modelling could help government better prepare for future pandemics www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Combined epidemiological and economic modelling | Institute for Government
The pandemic showed the need for government to improve its use of modelling.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Hot on the heels of yesterday's Covid inquiry report on decision making, @shaina-sangha.bsky.social and I have a new report out today looking at how combined epidemiological-economic modelling could help government better prepare for future pandemics www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
1/5 In this paper for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, I evaluate the government’s efforts to make regulation and regulators more supportive of growth: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Regulation and growth | Institute for Government
What is in the government's new action plan?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 14, 2025 at 5:13 PM
1/5 In this paper for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, I evaluate the government’s efforts to make regulation and regulators more supportive of growth: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
1/4 Lisa Nandy may have explained her mistake, but questions remain about the appointment process for Chair of the Independent Football Regulator, mainly for DCMS. Pages 11-12 of the Commissioner's decision notice are worth reading: publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/u...
November 7, 2025 at 12:26 PM
1/4 Lisa Nandy may have explained her mistake, but questions remain about the appointment process for Chair of the Independent Football Regulator, mainly for DCMS. Pages 11-12 of the Commissioner's decision notice are worth reading: publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/u...
This is an important step, but there are still signs of undue caution. More could be done to put civil servants' engagement with those outside on a clearer footing. The comment from @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @drhannahwhite.bsky.social has more!
Some - cautious - good news on the govt’s civil service gagging rules
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
A welcome clarification on the rules ‘gagging’ civil servants | Institute for Government
New guidance on civil servants speaking in public is a welcome return to common sense.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 11:24 AM
This is an important step, but there are still signs of undue caution. More could be done to put civil servants' engagement with those outside on a clearer footing. The comment from @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @drhannahwhite.bsky.social has more!
Important new research from UCL (@chrischirp.bsky.social @martinmckee.bsky.social). It explores both how greater politicisation of scientific agencies might come about and why it matters. Comparative international research forcefully illustrates the stakes involved. This is well worth your time.
🧵🚨
The UK’s independent scientific bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation - over the past 5 months I've been working with @martinmckee.bsky.social to map out their vulnerabilities and it's not good news.
Today our report is published!
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
1/11
The UK’s independent scientific bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation - over the past 5 months I've been working with @martinmckee.bsky.social to map out their vulnerabilities and it's not good news.
Today our report is published!
www.ucl.ac.uk/policy-lab/n...
1/11
UK’s arm’s length public bodies are highly vulnerable to politicisation
Seven in ten Britons say it is important for top scientific institutions to be independent in exclusive new polling.
www.ucl.ac.uk
October 13, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Important new research from UCL (@chrischirp.bsky.social @martinmckee.bsky.social). It explores both how greater politicisation of scientific agencies might come about and why it matters. Comparative international research forcefully illustrates the stakes involved. This is well worth your time.
1/ My latest for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk is on the proposed “democratic lock” over the Sentencing Council. I argue that David Lammy, as new justice secretary, should overturn his predecessor's decision that all guidelines the Council issues should be subject to ministerial approval.
David Lammy should reverse the proposed “democratic lock” over the Sentencing Council
We need a politics that does not pile pressure on ministers to overrule independent decisions, says @drmatthewgill.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/davi...
We need a politics that does not pile pressure on ministers to overrule independent decisions, says @drmatthewgill.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/davi...
David Lammy should reverse the proposed “democratic lock” over the Sentencing Council | Institute for Government
Ministers should welcome the role of experts.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 11, 2025 at 4:14 PM
1/ My latest for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk is on the proposed “democratic lock” over the Sentencing Council. I argue that David Lammy, as new justice secretary, should overturn his predecessor's decision that all guidelines the Council issues should be subject to ministerial approval.
@danhaile.bsky.social and I have now looked at the Independent Water Commission's final report for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Lots of creative ideas to improve regulation in the water sector - but transition to the new regime will be tricky... www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm....
July 26, 2025 at 6:59 PM
@danhaile.bsky.social and I have now looked at the Independent Water Commission's final report for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Lots of creative ideas to improve regulation in the water sector - but transition to the new regime will be tricky... www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm....
1/ The government’s response to the open letter co-ordinated by @instituteforgovernment.org.uk (@drhannahwhite.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social) on civil servants speaking in public is not only disappointing, but also surprising...
We at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have coordinated a letter in @thetimes.com today in which numerous individuals and organisations call on the government to withdraw its mistaken rules which are having a serious chilling effect on civil servants speaking in public…
July 14, 2025 at 12:06 PM
1/ The government’s response to the open letter co-ordinated by @instituteforgovernment.org.uk (@drhannahwhite.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social) on civil servants speaking in public is not only disappointing, but also surprising...
1/ This is an important comment on civil servant's public voice from @drhannahwhite.bsky.social and @alexgathomas.bsky.social at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. And it could have particular implications for public bodies and regulators. A short thread...
The government should not ban public servants from speaking in public
A private instruction that prevents government officials from speaking at public events is counter-productive. It will lead to a more closed government and less effective policy www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
A private instruction that prevents government officials from speaking at public events is counter-productive. It will lead to a more closed government and less effective policy www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
The government should not ban public servants from speaking in public | Institute for Government
New guidance will damage the quality of government and public discourse.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
June 26, 2025 at 1:36 PM
1/ This is an important comment on civil servant's public voice from @drhannahwhite.bsky.social and @alexgathomas.bsky.social at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. And it could have particular implications for public bodies and regulators. A short thread...
Good to see this new NAO report published this morning: www.nao.org.uk/reports/acco.... Burdens of accountability are proportionately higher for smaller government bodies, but it is also harder for them to get the support they need in government to meet them. Some good ideas here to rectify that.
Accountability in small government bodies - NAO report
Government can release resources and improve accountability by tailoring governance and audit requirements for small public bodies.
www.nao.org.uk
June 25, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Good to see this new NAO report published this morning: www.nao.org.uk/reports/acco.... Burdens of accountability are proportionately higher for smaller government bodies, but it is also harder for them to get the support they need in government to meet them. Some good ideas here to rectify that.
1/ It’s Industrial Strategy day: www.gov.uk/government/p.... In general, you should follow @gilesyb.bsky.social for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk takes on this, but this thread contains some thoughts on the regulation aspects...
Industrial Strategy
Strategy document setting out a new economic approach to backing the UK’s strengths, with ambitious plans for 8 high-growth sectors.
www.gov.uk
June 23, 2025 at 4:26 PM
1/ It’s Industrial Strategy day: www.gov.uk/government/p.... In general, you should follow @gilesyb.bsky.social for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk takes on this, but this thread contains some thoughts on the regulation aspects...
The government’s current focus on regulatory reform is welcome, but I argue for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk that it has an opportunity to think more systematically – and ambitiously – if it can organise itself in a way that makes that possible: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/regu...
Regulatory reform: systemic thinking, not tinkering | Institute for Government
The government’s aspirations to streamline regulation cannot be achieved piecemeal.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
June 21, 2025 at 8:58 AM
The government’s current focus on regulatory reform is welcome, but I argue for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk that it has an opportunity to think more systematically – and ambitiously – if it can organise itself in a way that makes that possible: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/regu...
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has reviewed its supported bodies landscape (I provided some comparative input from the UK system). Sensible recommendations published today to ensure accountability and minimise the proliferation of new bodies: bprcdn.parliament.scot/published/SS....
bprcdn.parliament.scot
June 19, 2025 at 2:22 PM
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has reviewed its supported bodies landscape (I provided some comparative input from the UK system). Sensible recommendations published today to ensure accountability and minimise the proliferation of new bodies: bprcdn.parliament.scot/published/SS....
New research - and guidance - from colleagues at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk on the important subject of ministers' roles during crises...
📣New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report & guide on ministerial leadership during crises
Most government ministers will face a crisis of one type or another in office – and this can be make or break. So how can a minister successfully prepare for crises and what roles can they play? 🧵
Most government ministers will face a crisis of one type or another in office – and this can be make or break. So how can a minister successfully prepare for crises and what roles can they play? 🧵
June 19, 2025 at 2:17 PM
New research - and guidance - from colleagues at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk on the important subject of ministers' roles during crises...
1/ PACAC is holding an inquiry on public bodies. It was an honour to appear as their first public witness for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk last month. It was a wide ranging hearing, and the recording and transcript are here: committees.parliament.uk/event/24075/.... A thread of clips…
7 May 2025 - Public Bodies - Oral evidence - Committees - UK Parliament
09:30 - Room 15, Palace of Westminster
committees.parliament.uk
June 12, 2025 at 5:36 PM
1/ PACAC is holding an inquiry on public bodies. It was an honour to appear as their first public witness for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk last month. It was a wide ranging hearing, and the recording and transcript are here: committees.parliament.uk/event/24075/.... A thread of clips…
The spending review has committed to more "closures, mergers and consolidations" of public bodies, when the outcome of its review is announced. But no timeline was published - which is good, because acting in haste could be a mistake...
June 11, 2025 at 1:29 PM
The spending review has committed to more "closures, mergers and consolidations" of public bodies, when the outcome of its review is announced. But no timeline was published - which is good, because acting in haste could be a mistake...
Lots to welcome in last week's review of the water sector, where a positive narrative focused on long term investment is needed. @danhaile.bsky.social is leading @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's comparative work on investment in energy and water utilities, so do follow him for more on this!
Can water regulation be ‘reset’?
The Independent Water Commission has identified the right issues, but some tough decisions remain for its final report, say @drmatthewgill.bsky.social and @danhaile.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/inde...
The Independent Water Commission has identified the right issues, but some tough decisions remain for its final report, say @drmatthewgill.bsky.social and @danhaile.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/inde...
Can water regulation be ‘reset’? | Institute for Government
The Independent Water Commission has identified the right issues, but some tough decisions remain for its final report.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
June 8, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Lots to welcome in last week's review of the water sector, where a positive narrative focused on long term investment is needed. @danhaile.bsky.social is leading @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's comparative work on investment in energy and water utilities, so do follow him for more on this!
Reposted by Matthew Gill
Some welcome urgency from government on getting water infrastructure built as quickly as possible - which is crucial in the context of an increasing demand shortfall, as I explored in a blog for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk last month www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/inde...
May 29, 2025 at 1:05 PM
Some welcome urgency from government on getting water infrastructure built as quickly as possible - which is crucial in the context of an increasing demand shortfall, as I explored in a blog for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk last month www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/inde...
Reposted by Matthew Gill
Are you a commercially minded communicator with a passion for public policy? We are looking for a Senior Partnerships Officer to join our team.
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
May 23, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Are you a commercially minded communicator with a passion for public policy? We are looking for a Senior Partnerships Officer to join our team.
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Monday's announcement puts government at risk of cutting quango numbers for its own sake. But efficiency, accountability, and freeing up ministers to focus on the big picture are what really matter, and there are better ways to achieve these things. My latest for @instituteforgov.bsky.social:
Pat McFadden has written to departments, asking them to justify the existence of their public bodies.
But cutting the number of public bodies is the wrong objective for the government to set itself, says @drmatthewgill.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/pat-...
But cutting the number of public bodies is the wrong objective for the government to set itself, says @drmatthewgill.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/pat-...
Not another bonfire of the quangos… | Institute for Government
Cutting the number of public bodies is the wrong objective for the government to set itself.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
April 10, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Monday's announcement puts government at risk of cutting quango numbers for its own sake. But efficiency, accountability, and freeing up ministers to focus on the big picture are what really matter, and there are better ways to achieve these things. My latest for @instituteforgov.bsky.social:
Reposted by Matthew Gill
A new piece from @drmatthewgill.bsky.social and me
Ministers are getting into gear & rightly want to reform the state. But their initiatives still seem ad hoc, a reaction to the frustrations of governing. It’s time for a coherent & compelling plan
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/whit...
Ministers are getting into gear & rightly want to reform the state. But their initiatives still seem ad hoc, a reaction to the frustrations of governing. It’s time for a coherent & compelling plan
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/whit...
‘Whitehall reform’ needs a more coherent plan to succeed | Institute for Government
Piecemeal interventions do not add up to coherent view of how the modern state should work.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
April 8, 2025 at 4:29 PM
A new piece from @drmatthewgill.bsky.social and me
Ministers are getting into gear & rightly want to reform the state. But their initiatives still seem ad hoc, a reaction to the frustrations of governing. It’s time for a coherent & compelling plan
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/whit...
Ministers are getting into gear & rightly want to reform the state. But their initiatives still seem ad hoc, a reaction to the frustrations of governing. It’s time for a coherent & compelling plan
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/whit...
Reposted by Matthew Gill
Interested in making government more effective? Applications for our 2025–26 research internship programme, starting in September 2025, are now open.
Closing date: Tuesday 29 April, 11:00 ⏰
Find out more:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Closing date: Tuesday 29 April, 11:00 ⏰
Find out more:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
April 1, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Interested in making government more effective? Applications for our 2025–26 research internship programme, starting in September 2025, are now open.
Closing date: Tuesday 29 April, 11:00 ⏰
Find out more:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Closing date: Tuesday 29 April, 11:00 ⏰
Find out more:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Some more detailed thoughts on the regulatory action plan published last week...
What is in the government’s plan to make regulation pro-growth?
The government has set out ambitious plans to streamline regulation. @drmatthewgill.bsky.social says there is much to applaud, but a sophisticated debate on regulation remains elusive www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
The government has set out ambitious plans to streamline regulation. @drmatthewgill.bsky.social says there is much to applaud, but a sophisticated debate on regulation remains elusive www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Operation chainsaw or clear-eyed surgery: What is in the government’s plan to make regulation pro-growth? | Institute for Government
The government has set out ambitious plans to streamline regulation.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
March 25, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Some more detailed thoughts on the regulatory action plan published last week...
Reposted by Matthew Gill
Jones is right that financial and performance reporting is currently a bureaucratic mess. The plans to streamline the process are welcome and will enable better decision making. But whether that leads to better public service performance v. much depends on ministers then making the right decisions
Our event with Darren Jones is just kicking off. Watch here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/darren...
March 20, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Jones is right that financial and performance reporting is currently a bureaucratic mess. The plans to streamline the process are welcome and will enable better decision making. But whether that leads to better public service performance v. much depends on ministers then making the right decisions
1/ Today’s policy paper from HMT on regulation and growth is welcome: www.gov.uk/government/n.... In the main, it grips the need to prioritise growth in an energetic but proportionate way. Nonetheless, implementation of some proposals will be difficult and there are some pitfalls to avoid.
Radical action plan to cut red tape and kickstart growth
The Chancellor will meet top regulator bosses in Downing Street today (Monday 17 March) as she unveils an action plan to deliver on the pledge to cut the administrative cost of regulation on business ...
www.gov.uk
March 17, 2025 at 6:34 PM
1/ Today’s policy paper from HMT on regulation and growth is welcome: www.gov.uk/government/n.... In the main, it grips the need to prioritise growth in an energetic but proportionate way. Nonetheless, implementation of some proposals will be difficult and there are some pitfalls to avoid.