Daniel Howes
@howesdaniel.bsky.social
Research assistant: civil service and public bodies, @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Cymro
Tricky to disaggregate those two factors cleanly as they were both definite contributors, but the sharp increase in growth rate around 2020/21 is mostly due to Covid response - this added to an already-growing CS since Brexit in 2016. More here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/sites/defaul...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 22, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Tricky to disaggregate those two factors cleanly as they were both definite contributors, but the sharp increase in growth rate around 2020/21 is mostly due to Covid response - this added to an already-growing CS since Brexit in 2016. More here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/sites/defaul...
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...
For those eager to know more, here's the updated explainer, which goes into a bit more detail (i.e. more charts!):
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 18, 2025 at 12:06 PM
For those eager to know more, here's the updated explainer, which goes into a bit more detail (i.e. more charts!):
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The updated Governance Code for Public Appointments is a major step forward - good to see many previous IfG recommendations taken on board. There is more to do, however, as shown by recent antics at DCMS.
My and @drmatthewgill.bsky.social 's thoughts below👇
My and @drmatthewgill.bsky.social 's thoughts below👇
Public appointments are being streamlined. But will it work?
The success of the updated governance code depends on ministers and departments putting it into practice.
Read the new comment from @howesdaniel.bsky.social @drmatthewgill.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/publ...
The success of the updated governance code depends on ministers and departments putting it into practice.
Read the new comment from @howesdaniel.bsky.social @drmatthewgill.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/publ...
Public appointments are being streamlined. But will it work? | Institute for Government
The success of the updated Governance Code on Public Appointments depends on ministers and departments putting it into practice.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 17, 2025 at 2:50 PM
The updated Governance Code for Public Appointments is a major step forward - good to see many previous IfG recommendations taken on board. There is more to do, however, as shown by recent antics at DCMS.
My and @drmatthewgill.bsky.social 's thoughts below👇
My and @drmatthewgill.bsky.social 's thoughts below👇
3/ Keep an eye out for Whitehall Monitor 2026 in the new year for deeper analysis on these trends (and much more) @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 16, 2025 at 11:35 AM
3/ Keep an eye out for Whitehall Monitor 2026 in the new year for deeper analysis on these trends (and much more) @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
2/ The bulk of this increase occurred at HMRC, which grew by 1185, but the Cabinet Office saw the largest proportional increase (4.4%).
This addition of 695 FTE staff comes as up to 1200 staff are being paid to leave the CO by May 2027 through voluntary exit schemes…
This addition of 695 FTE staff comes as up to 1200 staff are being paid to leave the CO by May 2027 through voluntary exit schemes…
December 16, 2025 at 11:35 AM
2/ The bulk of this increase occurred at HMRC, which grew by 1185, but the Cabinet Office saw the largest proportional increase (4.4%).
This addition of 695 FTE staff comes as up to 1200 staff are being paid to leave the CO by May 2027 through voluntary exit schemes…
This addition of 695 FTE staff comes as up to 1200 staff are being paid to leave the CO by May 2027 through voluntary exit schemes…
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 11:35 AM
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
Reposted by Daniel Howes
Government 2026: IfG's annual conference 🚨
Join us on Tuesday 13 January as we bring together influential speakers to explore the key questions for government over the next 12 months.
Register to attend online 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
With @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social
Join us on Tuesday 13 January as we bring together influential speakers to explore the key questions for government over the next 12 months.
Register to attend online 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
With @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social
December 3, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Government 2026: IfG's annual conference 🚨
Join us on Tuesday 13 January as we bring together influential speakers to explore the key questions for government over the next 12 months.
Register to attend online 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
With @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social
Join us on Tuesday 13 January as we bring together influential speakers to explore the key questions for government over the next 12 months.
Register to attend online 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
With @grantthorntonuk.bsky.social
Reposted by Daniel Howes
Really pleased to have contributed to the new criminal justice section of Performance Tracker 2025, now live on the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk’s website. It brings together new analysis on police, criminal courts and prisons. Some thoughts below. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Performance Tracker 2025: Criminal justice system | Institute for Government
The government must act to avoid the justice system returning to the crisis point seen when Labour entered office, or worse.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 9:33 AM
Really pleased to have contributed to the new criminal justice section of Performance Tracker 2025, now live on the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk’s website. It brings together new analysis on police, criminal courts and prisons. Some thoughts below. www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
More civil service data for you to get stuck into: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
This time, it's all about grades and how they've changed. Grade inflation is not just an issue for A-level students, it seems...
This time, it's all about grades and how they've changed. Grade inflation is not just an issue for A-level students, it seems...
Civil service grades | Institute for Government
There are five broad groupings of grades in the civil service. But what are they, and how have number of civil servants at each grade changed?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 21, 2025 at 10:06 AM
More civil service data for you to get stuck into: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
This time, it's all about grades and how they've changed. Grade inflation is not just an issue for A-level students, it seems...
This time, it's all about grades and how they've changed. Grade inflation is not just an issue for A-level students, it seems...
Reposted by Daniel Howes
NEW: @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have published pt1 of Public Services Performance Tracker 2025 covering local government finances and overall performance, adult social care, children's social care and homelessness
Incredible work by @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social
Incredible work by @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social
Public Services Performance Tracker 2025 | Institute for Government
Labour’s public service plans are less than the sum of their parts.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 15, 2025 at 6:04 PM
NEW: @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have published pt1 of Public Services Performance Tracker 2025 covering local government finances and overall performance, adult social care, children's social care and homelessness
Incredible work by @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social
Incredible work by @stuarthoddinott.bsky.social & @amberdellar.bsky.social
Reposted by Daniel Howes
Our reaction to Mel Stride’s big day at the Tory conference
There are savings to be made in the civil service. But an arbitrary headcount target & ignoring new demands on the state won’t deliver them
The hard work of doing that falls to the govt
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mel-...
There are savings to be made in the civil service. But an arbitrary headcount target & ignoring new demands on the state won’t deliver them
The hard work of doing that falls to the govt
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mel-...
October 6, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Our reaction to Mel Stride’s big day at the Tory conference
There are savings to be made in the civil service. But an arbitrary headcount target & ignoring new demands on the state won’t deliver them
The hard work of doing that falls to the govt
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mel-...
There are savings to be made in the civil service. But an arbitrary headcount target & ignoring new demands on the state won’t deliver them
The hard work of doing that falls to the govt
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/mel-...
Reposted by Daniel Howes
Comment | How Keir Starmer’s government can be built for delivery
With delivery now a central priority, government must get the metrics, routines and feedback loops right, say @emma-conway.bsky.social and @howesdaniel.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/star...
With delivery now a central priority, government must get the metrics, routines and feedback loops right, say @emma-conway.bsky.social and @howesdaniel.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/star...
Daniel Howes (@howesdaniel.bsky.social)
Research assistant: civil service and public bodies, @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Cymro
howesdaniel.bsky.social
September 24, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Comment | How Keir Starmer’s government can be built for delivery
With delivery now a central priority, government must get the metrics, routines and feedback loops right, say @emma-conway.bsky.social and @howesdaniel.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/star...
With delivery now a central priority, government must get the metrics, routines and feedback loops right, say @emma-conway.bsky.social and @howesdaniel.bsky.social
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/star...
Special Delivery! @emma-conway.bsky.social and I have been thinking about how Keir Starmer and co (especially Darren Jones) can make a success of 'phase two' - which is all about delivering on the government's priorities. Read more here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/star...
How Keir Starmer’s government can be built for delivery | Institute for Government
The prime minister can learn from the past to make a success of “phase two” of his government.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 24, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Special Delivery! @emma-conway.bsky.social and I have been thinking about how Keir Starmer and co (especially Darren Jones) can make a success of 'phase two' - which is all about delivering on the government's priorities. Read more here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/star...
Reposted by Daniel Howes
New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report by me, @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and @jillongovt.bsky.social on how Reeves should approach tax this Autumn
With tax rises inevitable, Reeves should reject path of least resistance and embrace tax reform 1/3
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
With tax rises inevitable, Reeves should reject path of least resistance and embrace tax reform 1/3
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
The 2025 budget and beyond: How Rachel Reeves can approach tax reform to help drive growth | Institute for Government
A big autumn approaches for the chancellor.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 24, 2025 at 7:49 AM
New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report by me, @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and @jillongovt.bsky.social on how Reeves should approach tax this Autumn
With tax rises inevitable, Reeves should reject path of least resistance and embrace tax reform 1/3
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
With tax rises inevitable, Reeves should reject path of least resistance and embrace tax reform 1/3
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
The core dept DSIT has 3195 FTE staff (up from 2275 Q1 '25), but the Met Office (2350), Intellectual Property Office (1620), UK Space Agency (315) and BDUK (255), which are executive agencies of DSIT, are included in the overall size of the department.
September 19, 2025 at 8:32 AM
The core dept DSIT has 3195 FTE staff (up from 2275 Q1 '25), but the Met Office (2350), Intellectual Property Office (1620), UK Space Agency (315) and BDUK (255), which are executive agencies of DSIT, are included in the overall size of the department.
5/ The government has big intentions to reduce the size of the civil service, which have not been reflected in this data release. This is likely due to the time lag involved in initiatives such as voluntary exit schemes. Stay tuned to see if next quarter’s stats indicate anything different!
September 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
5/ The government has big intentions to reduce the size of the civil service, which have not been reflected in this data release. This is likely due to the time lag involved in initiatives such as voluntary exit schemes. Stay tuned to see if next quarter’s stats indicate anything different!
4/ The most striking change from the previous quarter is the large proportional increase in the size of DSIT, which has grown by 12.8%. This is due to a transfer of staff from GDS in the Cabinet Office to DSIT, reflective of this MoG change: hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2024...
September 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
4/ The most striking change from the previous quarter is the large proportional increase in the size of DSIT, which has grown by 12.8%. This is due to a transfer of staff from GDS in the Cabinet Office to DSIT, reflective of this MoG change: hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2024...
3/ The largest department is still the MoJ with over 90,000 staff, most of whom work outside the ‘core’ department in HM Prison and Probation Service. The smallest department, DCMS, is over 40 times smaller, with 2,125 staff.
September 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
3/ The largest department is still the MoJ with over 90,000 staff, most of whom work outside the ‘core’ department in HM Prison and Probation Service. The smallest department, DCMS, is over 40 times smaller, with 2,125 staff.
2/ The headline statistic is that the CS has grown (again) to an overall FTE size of 516,950 – 3,750 more than this time last year (0.73%) and 480 (0.1%) more than last quarter (Q1 2025).
September 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
2/ The headline statistic is that the CS has grown (again) to an overall FTE size of 516,950 – 3,750 more than this time last year (0.73%) and 480 (0.1%) more than last quarter (Q1 2025).
1/ If you've been itching to know how the size of the civil service has changed... we at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have you covered.
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
Civil service staff numbers | Institute for Government
Who exactly are civil servants and how many are there?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
September 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
1/ If you've been itching to know how the size of the civil service has changed... we at the @instituteforgovernment.org.uk have you covered.
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
I've crunched the numbers from the latest ONS data release, which you can read about here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
Reposted by Daniel Howes
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 3:28 PM
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...