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
January 10, 2026 at 9:28 AM
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Featuring @jackworlidge.bsky.social
Spending on consultants cut by 14% across UK government ft.trib.al/bU42Sqx
Spending on consultants cut by 14% across UK government
Consultancy costs have ballooned in recent years due to Brexit and the pandemic
ft.trib.al
January 10, 2026 at 8:00 AM
Featuring @jackworlidge.bsky.social
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Who else to talk to about the last week but @ldfreedman.bsky.social
Podcast here with him, @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and me
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
Podcast here with him, @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and me
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
Donald Trumps Starmer’s New Year Plans
Podcast Episode · Inside Briefing with the Institute for Government · 09/01/2026 · 37m
podcasts.apple.com
January 10, 2026 at 8:03 AM
Who else to talk to about the last week but @ldfreedman.bsky.social
Podcast here with him, @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and me
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
Podcast here with him, @drhannahwhite.bsky.social @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and me
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/i...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
New minister appointed - to a role he's kind of already doing: Josh Simons, currently at CO, going to DSIT.
The FT reported that he'd be taking on digital ID full time- that programme moved from DSIT to CO, so not clear if that is indeed what he is doing (or if govt is just as confused as me...)
The FT reported that he'd be taking on digital ID full time- that programme moved from DSIT to CO, so not clear if that is indeed what he is doing (or if govt is just as confused as me...)
January 9, 2026 at 4:21 PM
New minister appointed - to a role he's kind of already doing: Josh Simons, currently at CO, going to DSIT.
The FT reported that he'd be taking on digital ID full time- that programme moved from DSIT to CO, so not clear if that is indeed what he is doing (or if govt is just as confused as me...)
The FT reported that he'd be taking on digital ID full time- that programme moved from DSIT to CO, so not clear if that is indeed what he is doing (or if govt is just as confused as me...)
Reposted by Cath Haddon
And finally, to wrap up our conference, at 16:30 we will welcome Rt Hon Sir Mel Stride, Shadow Chancellor, for a keynote speech followed by a Q&A with @alexgathomas.bsky.social
January 9, 2026 at 11:13 AM
And finally, to wrap up our conference, at 16:30 we will welcome Rt Hon Sir Mel Stride, Shadow Chancellor, for a keynote speech followed by a Q&A with @alexgathomas.bsky.social
Reposted by Cath Haddon
We can now announce that @darrenpjones.bsky.social, Chief Secretary to the PM, will join us at 14:45.
He will be in conversation with @drhannahwhite.bsky.social to discuss why his role spanning both No.10 and the Cabinet Office was created and the need to modernise public services.
He will be in conversation with @drhannahwhite.bsky.social to discuss why his role spanning both No.10 and the Cabinet Office was created and the need to modernise public services.
January 9, 2026 at 11:13 AM
We can now announce that @darrenpjones.bsky.social, Chief Secretary to the PM, will join us at 14:45.
He will be in conversation with @drhannahwhite.bsky.social to discuss why his role spanning both No.10 and the Cabinet Office was created and the need to modernise public services.
He will be in conversation with @drhannahwhite.bsky.social to discuss why his role spanning both No.10 and the Cabinet Office was created and the need to modernise public services.
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Then at a new time of 09:40, Baroness 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
January 9, 2026 at 11:13 AM
Then at a new time of 09:40, Baroness 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
Reposted by Cath Haddon
We will then turn our attention to the 2026 elections and how votes in England, Scotland and Wales could reshape British politics.
Join us at 13:30 to hear from @kezdugdale.bsky.social, Guto Harri, @akashpaun.bsky.social @luketryl.bsky.social
@cathhaddon.bsky.social
Join us at 13:30 to hear from @kezdugdale.bsky.social, Guto Harri, @akashpaun.bsky.social @luketryl.bsky.social
@cathhaddon.bsky.social
January 9, 2026 at 11:13 AM
We will then turn our attention to the 2026 elections and how votes in England, Scotland and Wales could reshape British politics.
Join us at 13:30 to hear from @kezdugdale.bsky.social, Guto Harri, @akashpaun.bsky.social @luketryl.bsky.social
@cathhaddon.bsky.social
Join us at 13:30 to hear from @kezdugdale.bsky.social, Guto Harri, @akashpaun.bsky.social @luketryl.bsky.social
@cathhaddon.bsky.social
Reposted by Cath Haddon
GOVERNMENT 2026 | Is the government making any progress on rewiring the state?
Join us on Tuesday 13 January to hear @hannahkeenan.bsky.social present key findings from Whitehall Monitor 2026 - with @andyburnham.bsky.social, Michael Gove, Rowena Mason, @alexgathomas.bsky.social @samfr.bsky.social
Join us on Tuesday 13 January to hear @hannahkeenan.bsky.social present key findings from Whitehall Monitor 2026 - with @andyburnham.bsky.social, Michael Gove, Rowena Mason, @alexgathomas.bsky.social @samfr.bsky.social
January 5, 2026 at 3:27 PM
GOVERNMENT 2026 | Is the government making any progress on rewiring the state?
Join us on Tuesday 13 January to hear @hannahkeenan.bsky.social present key findings from Whitehall Monitor 2026 - with @andyburnham.bsky.social, Michael Gove, Rowena Mason, @alexgathomas.bsky.social @samfr.bsky.social
Join us on Tuesday 13 January to hear @hannahkeenan.bsky.social present key findings from Whitehall Monitor 2026 - with @andyburnham.bsky.social, Michael Gove, Rowena Mason, @alexgathomas.bsky.social @samfr.bsky.social
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Elections 2026: How could votes in England, Scotland and Wales reshape British politics?
With Kezia Dugdale uofgpolicy.bsky.social, Guto Harri, @akashpaun.bsky.social, @luketryl.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
With Kezia Dugdale uofgpolicy.bsky.social, Guto Harri, @akashpaun.bsky.social, @luketryl.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
December 29, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Elections 2026: How could votes in England, Scotland and Wales reshape British politics?
With Kezia Dugdale uofgpolicy.bsky.social, Guto Harri, @akashpaun.bsky.social, @luketryl.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
With Kezia Dugdale uofgpolicy.bsky.social, Guto Harri, @akashpaun.bsky.social, @luketryl.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
I have successfully set fire to a pudding and nearly caused a chimney fire*
*These were separate incidents
*These were separate incidents
December 25, 2025 at 7:45 PM
I have successfully set fire to a pudding and nearly caused a chimney fire*
*These were separate incidents
*These were separate incidents
Reposted by Cath Haddon
In conversation with Baroness Casey of Blackstock DBE CB
📅 Tuesday 13 January
Join us at Government 2026 to hear the Chair of the Independent Commission into Adult Social Care discuss her work with
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social zurl.co/yHPzP
📅 Tuesday 13 January
Join us at Government 2026 to hear the Chair of the Independent Commission into Adult Social Care discuss her work with
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social zurl.co/yHPzP
December 23, 2025 at 4:00 PM
In conversation with Baroness Casey of Blackstock DBE CB
📅 Tuesday 13 January
Join us at Government 2026 to hear the Chair of the Independent Commission into Adult Social Care discuss her work with
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social zurl.co/yHPzP
📅 Tuesday 13 January
Join us at Government 2026 to hear the Chair of the Independent Commission into Adult Social Care discuss her work with
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social zurl.co/yHPzP
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Christmas has come early! You can now read all about the new public bodies set up by Labour since coming to power, as well as the proposed bodies still in the works, in our updated tracker. #festive
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/pu...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/pu...
Tracker: The government’s proposed new public bodies | Institute for Government
What were the public bodies promised in Labour’s election manifesto and what has been delivered since its entry into government?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 22, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Christmas has come early! You can now read all about the new public bodies set up by Labour since coming to power, as well as the proposed bodies still in the works, in our updated tracker. #festive
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/pu...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/pu...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Rewiring the state: Is the government making any progress?
Join us at Government 2026 on Tuesday 13 Jan to hear @andyburnham.bsky.social, Michael Gove, Rowena Mason @alexgathomas.bsky.social discuss the govt's attempts to reform the civil service
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Join us at Government 2026 on Tuesday 13 Jan to hear @andyburnham.bsky.social, Michael Gove, Rowena Mason @alexgathomas.bsky.social discuss the govt's attempts to reform the civil service
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
December 22, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Rewiring the state: Is the government making any progress?
Join us at Government 2026 on Tuesday 13 Jan to hear @andyburnham.bsky.social, Michael Gove, Rowena Mason @alexgathomas.bsky.social discuss the govt's attempts to reform the civil service
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Join us at Government 2026 on Tuesday 13 Jan to hear @andyburnham.bsky.social, Michael Gove, Rowena Mason @alexgathomas.bsky.social discuss the govt's attempts to reform the civil service
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
PODCAST 🎙️ 2025 in review: Starmer's year of drama
The IfG team and the FT's @chris-smyth.bsky.social pick out the big moments of the last 12 months – the big political developments, and the key appointments that could shape the year ahead www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
The IfG team and the FT's @chris-smyth.bsky.social pick out the big moments of the last 12 months – the big political developments, and the key appointments that could shape the year ahead www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
2025 in review: Starmer's year of drama | Institute for Government
The IfG team and the Financial Times’s public policy editor Chris Smyth look back on an eventful 12 months and pick out the big moments of 2025.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 22, 2025 at 4:06 PM
PODCAST 🎙️ 2025 in review: Starmer's year of drama
The IfG team and the FT's @chris-smyth.bsky.social pick out the big moments of the last 12 months – the big political developments, and the key appointments that could shape the year ahead www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
The IfG team and the FT's @chris-smyth.bsky.social pick out the big moments of the last 12 months – the big political developments, and the key appointments that could shape the year ahead www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/podcast/insi...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
How can the government ensure inquiries are set up to succeed?
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path. Our report makes a series of recommendations for reforms designed to ensure inquiries are fit for purpose www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path. Our report makes a series of recommendations for reforms designed to ensure inquiries are fit for purpose www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
How can the government ensure inquiries are set up to succeed? | Institute for Government
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 22, 2025 at 11:26 AM
How can the government ensure inquiries are set up to succeed?
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path. Our report makes a series of recommendations for reforms designed to ensure inquiries are fit for purpose www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path. Our report makes a series of recommendations for reforms designed to ensure inquiries are fit for purpose www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
The government is following through on its pledge to rebalance funding to the places that need it most, writes @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social. Though, with limited funding, it has required the government to make tough decisions about who loses
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/delivering-r...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/delivering-r...
The government is delivering a radical rebalancing of funding towards more deprived councils | Institute for Government
The Local Government Funding Settlement shows the government is making a major change to how funding is allocated to local authorities
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 3:00 PM
The government is following through on its pledge to rebalance funding to the places that need it most, writes @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social. Though, with limited funding, it has required the government to make tough decisions about who loses
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/delivering-r...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/delivering-r...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Criticisms focus on the cost and length of inquiries, but reform must address the underlying issues that drive these delays and costs. In our report we identify a set of underlying problems:
December 19, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Criticisms focus on the cost and length of inquiries, but reform must address the underlying issues that drive these delays and costs. In our report we identify a set of underlying problems:
Reposted by Cath Haddon
📝Our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report with @jackpannell.bsky.social & @emmanorris.bsky.social out today sets out out the underlying problems with the way public inquiries are established
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
How can the government ensure inquiries are set up to succeed? | Institute for Government
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 10:53 AM
📝Our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report with @jackpannell.bsky.social & @emmanorris.bsky.social out today sets out out the underlying problems with the way public inquiries are established
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
Reposted by Cath Haddon
New comment ✍️
From me & @jackpannell.bsky.social alongside the launch of our new report today
"Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems -
Government reforms to public inquiries need to address the role played by ministers"
From me & @jackpannell.bsky.social alongside the launch of our new report today
"Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems -
Government reforms to public inquiries need to address the role played by ministers"
December 19, 2025 at 10:55 AM
New comment ✍️
From me & @jackpannell.bsky.social alongside the launch of our new report today
"Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems -
Government reforms to public inquiries need to address the role played by ministers"
From me & @jackpannell.bsky.social alongside the launch of our new report today
"Public inquiry reform must be targeted at the right problems -
Government reforms to public inquiries need to address the role played by ministers"
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Actions fall short of ambition in the government’s new homelessness strategy
The government has set broadly the right destination for the homelessness system, but the changes it aren’t enough proposes to get it there, says @amberdellar.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
The government has set broadly the right destination for the homelessness system, but the changes it aren’t enough proposes to get it there, says @amberdellar.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Actions fall short of ambition in the government’s new homelessness strategy | Institute for Government
The government has set broadly the right destination for the homelessness system, but the changes it aren’t enough proposes to get it there.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 18, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Actions fall short of ambition in the government’s new homelessness strategy
The government has set broadly the right destination for the homelessness system, but the changes it aren’t enough proposes to get it there, says @amberdellar.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
The government has set broadly the right destination for the homelessness system, but the changes it aren’t enough proposes to get it there, says @amberdellar.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
NEW report from @nehaldavison.bsky.social and I.
Why have successive governments failed to tackle persistent inequalities in early years outcomes?
We set out 5 systemic policy making failures that lead to some children being 'left behind'.
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Why have successive governments failed to tackle persistent inequalities in early years outcomes?
We set out 5 systemic policy making failures that lead to some children being 'left behind'.
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Policy making blind spots | Institute for Government
The systemic policy-making failures that have contributed to a sharp ‘cliff-edge’ in attainment levels.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 17, 2025 at 11:19 AM
NEW report from @nehaldavison.bsky.social and I.
Why have successive governments failed to tackle persistent inequalities in early years outcomes?
We set out 5 systemic policy making failures that lead to some children being 'left behind'.
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Why have successive governments failed to tackle persistent inequalities in early years outcomes?
We set out 5 systemic policy making failures that lead to some children being 'left behind'.
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Starting now - tune in live and submit your questions for our panel www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/trump-...
December 16, 2025 at 12:33 PM
Starting now - tune in live and submit your questions for our panel www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/trump-...
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Cabinet Office in May: We're making the centre smaller. We've approved 540 people to leave through voluntary exits. It will cost £27m. We expect 1200 people to leave over the next two years.
Cabinet Office today: we added an extra 695 staff Q3 2025...
👇Follow Dan for the latest civil service stats
Cabinet Office today: we added an extra 695 staff Q3 2025...
👇Follow Dan for the latest civil service stats
1/ The latest ONS data on public sector employment shows that the civil service has grown (again).
After 2 consecutive quarters of plateauing growth, the CS grew in Q3 by 3490 (0.6%) to 520440 FTE. This is the highest quarterly increase since Labour came to power.
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
After 2 consecutive quarters of plateauing growth, the CS grew in Q3 by 3490 (0.6%) to 520440 FTE. This is the highest quarterly increase since Labour came to power.
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 16, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Cabinet Office in May: We're making the centre smaller. We've approved 540 people to leave through voluntary exits. It will cost £27m. We expect 1200 people to leave over the next two years.
Cabinet Office today: we added an extra 695 staff Q3 2025...
👇Follow Dan for the latest civil service stats
Cabinet Office today: we added an extra 695 staff Q3 2025...
👇Follow Dan for the latest civil service stats
Reposted by Cath Haddon
Is the centre of government built to deliver?
Join us at Government 2026 on Tuesday 13 January as our expert panel explore how well No.10 and the Treasury work together to deliver the government's economic priorities.
With Ed Balls, Kelly Beaver MBE, @ayeshahazarika.bsky.social Sajid Javid
Join us at Government 2026 on Tuesday 13 January as our expert panel explore how well No.10 and the Treasury work together to deliver the government's economic priorities.
With Ed Balls, Kelly Beaver MBE, @ayeshahazarika.bsky.social Sajid Javid
December 15, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Is the centre of government built to deliver?
Join us at Government 2026 on Tuesday 13 January as our expert panel explore how well No.10 and the Treasury work together to deliver the government's economic priorities.
With Ed Balls, Kelly Beaver MBE, @ayeshahazarika.bsky.social Sajid Javid
Join us at Government 2026 on Tuesday 13 January as our expert panel explore how well No.10 and the Treasury work together to deliver the government's economic priorities.
With Ed Balls, Kelly Beaver MBE, @ayeshahazarika.bsky.social Sajid Javid