Hannah Keenan
@hannahkeenan.bsky.social
Associate Director at Institute for Government, and former civil servant (cabinet office, dfid). Interested in all things Civil Service. And mountains.
It has come to my attention that the new 'growth and living standards' committee is in fact the GALS committee. I hope the gals have fun.
Gov just published a new list cabinet committees. In short, looks like (1) big vote of confidence in Darren Jones from the PM, (2) existing missions + immigration are top of the government's agenda, (3) PM wants things to happen faster, and (4) Rayner's priorities perhaps no longer front of mind?🧵
List of Cabinet Committees and their membership
www.gov.uk
November 19, 2025 at 5:44 PM
It has come to my attention that the new 'growth and living standards' committee is in fact the GALS committee. I hope the gals have fun.
Gov just published a new list cabinet committees. In short, looks like (1) big vote of confidence in Darren Jones from the PM, (2) existing missions + immigration are top of the government's agenda, (3) PM wants things to happen faster, and (4) Rayner's priorities perhaps no longer front of mind?🧵
List of Cabinet Committees and their membership
www.gov.uk
November 19, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Gov just published a new list cabinet committees. In short, looks like (1) big vote of confidence in Darren Jones from the PM, (2) existing missions + immigration are top of the government's agenda, (3) PM wants things to happen faster, and (4) Rayner's priorities perhaps no longer front of mind?🧵
reposting the below thread explaining the write round process from April. Enjoy! www.politicshome.com/news/article...
November 13, 2025 at 9:36 PM
reposting the below thread explaining the write round process from April. Enjoy! www.politicshome.com/news/article...
Friendly reminder that Starmer already had a crack at the write round process in April to try and speed it up. By all means shake it up - but I am not at all convinced that this two week letter exchange is really the thing gumming up your government...
November 13, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Friendly reminder that Starmer already had a crack at the write round process in April to try and speed it up. By all means shake it up - but I am not at all convinced that this two week letter exchange is really the thing gumming up your government...
"This is a very specific move, which has evidently been made for very specific reasons by someone who has a very specific thing they are trying to do"
Nice reminder from @iandunt.bsky.social that the no.10 shake-up put a single figure in control of delivery at the centre and that is a good thing.
Nice reminder from @iandunt.bsky.social that the no.10 shake-up put a single figure in control of delivery at the centre and that is a good thing.
Things are incredibly grim, but there are small, tentative signs of improvement. Maybe. iandunt.substack.com/p/three-reas...
Three reasons to feel hope
Things are incredibly grim, but there are small, tentative signs of improvement. Maybe.
iandunt.substack.com
September 12, 2025 at 1:56 PM
"This is a very specific move, which has evidently been made for very specific reasons by someone who has a very specific thing they are trying to do"
Nice reminder from @iandunt.bsky.social that the no.10 shake-up put a single figure in control of delivery at the centre and that is a good thing.
Nice reminder from @iandunt.bsky.social that the no.10 shake-up put a single figure in control of delivery at the centre and that is a good thing.
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
Explaining the day’s developments to a non-British friend:
September 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Explaining the day’s developments to a non-British friend:
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
Can I interest you in another live blog to obsessively refresh to find out the latest on the reshuffle??
*This live blog comes with expert (nerdy) analysis on how government actually works.
*This live blog comes with expert (nerdy) analysis on how government actually works.
Starmer government reshuffle: PM changes top team after Rayner's exit | Institute for Government
The IfG team analyse the moves as Keir Starmer reshapes his Cabinet.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 5, 2025 at 2:48 PM
Can I interest you in another live blog to obsessively refresh to find out the latest on the reshuffle??
*This live blog comes with expert (nerdy) analysis on how government actually works.
*This live blog comes with expert (nerdy) analysis on how government actually works.
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
A new episode of Inside Briefing the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast is out, with me @hannahkeenan.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social & @teodorgrama.bsky.social talking about delivery (obvs) and the Civil Service Fast Stream
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/collection/p...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/collection/p...
Stand and deliver? | Institute for Government
Starmer moves to 'delivery, delivery, delivery'.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 5, 2025 at 10:45 AM
A new episode of Inside Briefing the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk podcast is out, with me @hannahkeenan.bsky.social @cathhaddon.bsky.social & @teodorgrama.bsky.social talking about delivery (obvs) and the Civil Service Fast Stream
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/collection/p...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/collection/p...
The govt's graduate scheme is not working as well as it could either for the people on it or for the civil service itself. Great report by my colleague @teodorgrama.bsky.social on how to get the fast stream back on track👇
NEW @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report just out - on how the fast stream, the civil service’s flagship talent development programme, lost its sense of purpose and how it can get it back
(A quick 🧵)
(A quick 🧵)
How to reform the civil service fast stream | Institute for Government
It is time to update the civil service's flagship recruitment programme.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 4, 2025 at 2:18 PM
The govt's graduate scheme is not working as well as it could either for the people on it or for the civil service itself. Great report by my colleague @teodorgrama.bsky.social on how to get the fast stream back on track👇
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
Great to see our latest @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report on the fast stream covered in The Guardian.
The civil service wants the fast stream to do too much, all at once. A smaller programme that is laser-focused on developing future leaders would deliver more for the civil service.
The civil service wants the fast stream to do too much, all at once. A smaller programme that is laser-focused on developing future leaders would deliver more for the civil service.
Civil service graduate talent scheme needs urgent reform, says thinktank
Exclusive: Institute for Government says failings are leading many fast streamers to leave programme early
www.theguardian.com
September 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM
Great to see our latest @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report on the fast stream covered in The Guardian.
The civil service wants the fast stream to do too much, all at once. A smaller programme that is laser-focused on developing future leaders would deliver more for the civil service.
The civil service wants the fast stream to do too much, all at once. A smaller programme that is laser-focused on developing future leaders would deliver more for the civil service.
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
Many organisations run graduate schemes focused on developing future leaders. That's what the fast stream has always been, at its core. It now needs to overcome the instinct to be all things to all people and rediscover that sense of purpose.
Me for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social:
Me for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social:
The Fast Stream needs to rediscover its sense of purpose
A smaller Fast Stream – laser-focused on developing future leaders – would deliver more for the civil service and the country
www.civilserviceworld.com
September 4, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Many organisations run graduate schemes focused on developing future leaders. That's what the fast stream has always been, at its core. It now needs to overcome the instinct to be all things to all people and rediscover that sense of purpose.
Me for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social:
Me for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social:
Lots of slightly confusing chatter around the civil service internship being restricted to people from lower socio-economic backgrounds - excellent thread from @teodorgrama.bsky.social below setting out what is actually happening!
As with all coverage of the civil service internship scheme, it is important to remember:
(1) It allows those on it to skip one of 2 or 3 stages of the fast stream recruitment process. Former interns then compete on an equal footing with any and all other applicants to get on the fast stream.
(1) It allows those on it to skip one of 2 or 3 stages of the fast stream recruitment process. Former interns then compete on an equal footing with any and all other applicants to get on the fast stream.
Sue Gray questions class-based civil service internship scheme
The PM's former chief of staff says she
www.bbc.co.uk
September 3, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Lots of slightly confusing chatter around the civil service internship being restricted to people from lower socio-economic backgrounds - excellent thread from @teodorgrama.bsky.social below setting out what is actually happening!
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
🖥️ WEBINAR: How will Keir Starmer’s No10 reset work?
Wednesday 3 September, 15:00 — 16:00
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social explore the PM's reshuffle of his No10 team.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/online...
Wednesday 3 September, 15:00 — 16:00
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social explore the PM's reshuffle of his No10 team.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/online...
Webinar | How will Keir Starmer’s No10 reset work? | Institute for Government
An IfG Expert Briefing explores the prime minister's reshuffle of his No10 team.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 2, 2025 at 3:59 PM
🖥️ WEBINAR: How will Keir Starmer’s No10 reset work?
Wednesday 3 September, 15:00 — 16:00
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social explore the PM's reshuffle of his No10 team.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/online...
Wednesday 3 September, 15:00 — 16:00
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social explore the PM's reshuffle of his No10 team.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/online...
Moving the mission delivery unit from the Cabinet Office to No10 is I think a good thing. Looks like gov is going from potentially having lots of big figures doing delivery at the centre, to making clear Darren Jones in charge of it (with Nin Pandit reporting to him). That is useful clarity!
September 2, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Moving the mission delivery unit from the Cabinet Office to No10 is I think a good thing. Looks like gov is going from potentially having lots of big figures doing delivery at the centre, to making clear Darren Jones in charge of it (with Nin Pandit reporting to him). That is useful clarity!
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
NEW: Keir Starmer’s No10 reshuffle must provide coherence and clarity
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social react to the appointment of @darrenpjones.bsky.social to a big No10 job - & call for the PM to make more structural changes
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/keir...
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social react to the appointment of @darrenpjones.bsky.social to a big No10 job - & call for the PM to make more structural changes
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/keir...
Starmer's latest No.10 changes should be the start of a bigger reform | Institute for Government
The prime minister needs to make changes to the structures, and not just the people, at the centre of government.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 2, 2025 at 8:33 AM
NEW: Keir Starmer’s No10 reshuffle must provide coherence and clarity
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social react to the appointment of @darrenpjones.bsky.social to a big No10 job - & call for the PM to make more structural changes
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/keir...
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social & @alexgathomas.bsky.social react to the appointment of @darrenpjones.bsky.social to a big No10 job - & call for the PM to make more structural changes
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/keir...
Think 2 big risks in No.10 shake-up are (a) more big figures & no clarity on who does what means duplicative work gumming up the system, and (b) the 'change the way the state works' bit of missions gets totally cannibalised by the 'deliver the plan for change targets' bit of missions.
September 2, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Think 2 big risks in No.10 shake-up are (a) more big figures & no clarity on who does what means duplicative work gumming up the system, and (b) the 'change the way the state works' bit of missions gets totally cannibalised by the 'deliver the plan for change targets' bit of missions.
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
So some new ministerial appointments after all - including a new role created as chief sec to the PM. Darren Jones has clearly impressed at the Treasury - will he be able to get things done in No10? Or will this just be another person trying to "deliver"...
September 1, 2025 at 8:38 AM
So some new ministerial appointments after all - including a new role created as chief sec to the PM. Darren Jones has clearly impressed at the Treasury - will he be able to get things done in No10? Or will this just be another person trying to "deliver"...
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
More change at No10 - another very experienced appointee. But as @hannahkeenan.bsky.social has said, bringing in good people is no substitute for fixing the structure, or having a clear vision
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/star...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/star...
August 29, 2025 at 2:57 PM
More change at No10 - another very experienced appointee. But as @hannahkeenan.bsky.social has said, bringing in good people is no substitute for fixing the structure, or having a clear vision
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/star...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/star...
I am really very certain - having also seen 4 iterations of No.10 while working in the Cabinet Office - that adding more people to the centre of government is not the solution here.
If the shake-up is on, it better be a proper one.
If the shake-up is on, it better be a proper one.
August 29, 2025 at 10:37 AM
I am really very certain - having also seen 4 iterations of No.10 while working in the Cabinet Office - that adding more people to the centre of government is not the solution here.
If the shake-up is on, it better be a proper one.
If the shake-up is on, it better be a proper one.
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
So, that civil service speaking ban...
What does the No 10 guidance actually say?
I decided to use a freedom of information request to find out.
Here's the response I got...
gavin-freeguard.medium.com/no-10-bans-c...
What does the No 10 guidance actually say?
I decided to use a freedom of information request to find out.
Here's the response I got...
gavin-freeguard.medium.com/no-10-bans-c...
No 10 bans civil servants from speaking, bans us from seeing the guidance that bans civil servants…
In June, my friends at the Institute for Government reported the existence of ‘some unusual internal guidance’ that bans officials from…
gavin-freeguard.medium.com
August 21, 2025 at 1:06 PM
So, that civil service speaking ban...
What does the No 10 guidance actually say?
I decided to use a freedom of information request to find out.
Here's the response I got...
gavin-freeguard.medium.com/no-10-bans-c...
What does the No 10 guidance actually say?
I decided to use a freedom of information request to find out.
Here's the response I got...
gavin-freeguard.medium.com/no-10-bans-c...
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
NEW REPORT: how does where you live and your background affect how you do at school?
- Inequalities have widened around the country and between groups of children since the pandemic
- Progress depends on sharing what works to support disadvantaged pupils & cutting high absence
🧵👇
- Inequalities have widened around the country and between groups of children since the pandemic
- Progress depends on sharing what works to support disadvantaged pupils & cutting high absence
🧵👇
Educational outcomes across England | Institute for Government
Examining the performance gaps in schools.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
August 20, 2025 at 9:29 AM
NEW REPORT: how does where you live and your background affect how you do at school?
- Inequalities have widened around the country and between groups of children since the pandemic
- Progress depends on sharing what works to support disadvantaged pupils & cutting high absence
🧵👇
- Inequalities have widened around the country and between groups of children since the pandemic
- Progress depends on sharing what works to support disadvantaged pupils & cutting high absence
🧵👇
Reposted by Hannah Keenan
I had never worked somewhere where it was literally impossible to get promoted by being good at your job. Mind boggling really. What a recipe for unhappiness.
Civil service in a real bind atm. Incentives to move job rapidly + recruitment freezes blocking space to move = unhappy workforce.
My radical Friday thought: if you don't want people (civil servants) to do stuff (move jobs at a v high rate), then don't give them incentives to do that?
My radical Friday thought: if you don't want people (civil servants) to do stuff (move jobs at a v high rate), then don't give them incentives to do that?
Fundamental changes are needed to address civil service frustration | Institute for Government
Voluntary exit schemes will not be enough to deal with structural problems in the civil service
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
August 20, 2025 at 7:49 AM
I had never worked somewhere where it was literally impossible to get promoted by being good at your job. Mind boggling really. What a recipe for unhappiness.
Civil service in a real bind atm. Incentives to move job rapidly + recruitment freezes blocking space to move = unhappy workforce.
My radical Friday thought: if you don't want people (civil servants) to do stuff (move jobs at a v high rate), then don't give them incentives to do that?
My radical Friday thought: if you don't want people (civil servants) to do stuff (move jobs at a v high rate), then don't give them incentives to do that?
Fundamental changes are needed to address civil service frustration | Institute for Government
Voluntary exit schemes will not be enough to deal with structural problems in the civil service
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
August 8, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Civil service in a real bind atm. Incentives to move job rapidly + recruitment freezes blocking space to move = unhappy workforce.
My radical Friday thought: if you don't want people (civil servants) to do stuff (move jobs at a v high rate), then don't give them incentives to do that?
My radical Friday thought: if you don't want people (civil servants) to do stuff (move jobs at a v high rate), then don't give them incentives to do that?
I also think we're at risk of losing sight that we're talking about 200 people here. 0.04% of the civil service. An internship is as good a shout as any to improve diversity (let's see if it works), but gov needs to sort other stuff including pay and wider recruitment too. Some thoughts from IfG 👇
August 1, 2025 at 2:37 PM
I also think we're at risk of losing sight that we're talking about 200 people here. 0.04% of the civil service. An internship is as good a shout as any to improve diversity (let's see if it works), but gov needs to sort other stuff including pay and wider recruitment too. Some thoughts from IfG 👇