Jack Worlidge
@jackworlidge.bsky.social
Working on civil service @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Former SpAd to Deputy Prime Minister at MoJ, parliamentary staffer, lobbyist. Views my own.
Unsurprisingly there's a lot of chat about what kind of vetting Mandelson would have gone through before being appointed as ambassador to the US...
We wrote this to explain the appointment process after he was sacked last year 👇
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/se...
We wrote this to explain the appointment process after he was sacked last year 👇
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/se...
Senior diplomatic appointments | Institute for Government
How are the UK's ambassadors and high commissioners appointed – and removed?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
February 4, 2026 at 11:47 AM
Unsurprisingly there's a lot of chat about what kind of vetting Mandelson would have gone through before being appointed as ambassador to the US...
We wrote this to explain the appointment process after he was sacked last year 👇
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/se...
We wrote this to explain the appointment process after he was sacked last year 👇
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/se...
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
Mandelson has resigned from Lords. So why is he still a Lord?
Because the process of retiring from the Lords, or expelled, is not the same as removing their title.
See our explainer on how Lords are appointed, vetted, retired or expelled
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/jo...
Because the process of retiring from the Lords, or expelled, is not the same as removing their title.
See our explainer on how Lords are appointed, vetted, retired or expelled
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/jo...
Joining and leaving the House of Lords | Institute for Government
Most Lords members are life peers – nominated for their lifetime, but without their peerage passing to their children.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
February 3, 2026 at 5:07 PM
Mandelson has resigned from Lords. So why is he still a Lord?
Because the process of retiring from the Lords, or expelled, is not the same as removing their title.
See our explainer on how Lords are appointed, vetted, retired or expelled
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/jo...
Because the process of retiring from the Lords, or expelled, is not the same as removing their title.
See our explainer on how Lords are appointed, vetted, retired or expelled
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/jo...
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
I'll be speaking on a panel at this event hosted by @resolutionfoundation.org in a couple of weeks, talking about what the day-to-day of a researcher at a think tank is like. Improving representation personally important to me so please do share! Sign up: www.resolutionfoundation.org/events/worki...
February 3, 2026 at 4:40 PM
I'll be speaking on a panel at this event hosted by @resolutionfoundation.org in a couple of weeks, talking about what the day-to-day of a researcher at a think tank is like. Improving representation personally important to me so please do share! Sign up: www.resolutionfoundation.org/events/worki...
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
What did we learn from our conference this week?
@timdurrant.bsky.social @hannahkeenan.bsky.social @danhaile.bsky.social @benpaxton.bsky.social @jackworlidge.bsky.social and me give our verdict
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
@timdurrant.bsky.social @hannahkeenan.bsky.social @danhaile.bsky.social @benpaxton.bsky.social @jackworlidge.bsky.social and me give our verdict
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Five things we learned at the IfG's Government 2026 conference | Institute for Government
What lies in store for government in 2026?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 15, 2026 at 5:41 PM
What did we learn from our conference this week?
@timdurrant.bsky.social @hannahkeenan.bsky.social @danhaile.bsky.social @benpaxton.bsky.social @jackworlidge.bsky.social and me give our verdict
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
@timdurrant.bsky.social @hannahkeenan.bsky.social @danhaile.bsky.social @benpaxton.bsky.social @jackworlidge.bsky.social and me give our verdict
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Analysis of government spending on consultancy services has become a solid feature of Whitehall Monitor (2026 edition out today!) in recent years.
This year it's particularly pertinent given the government's focus on cutting spending.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
This year it's particularly pertinent given the government's focus on cutting spending.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Whitehall Monitor 2026 | Institute for Government
Labour’s efforts to ‘rewire the state’ aren’t addressing longstanding workforce problems.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 11:11 AM
Analysis of government spending on consultancy services has become a solid feature of Whitehall Monitor (2026 edition out today!) in recent years.
This year it's particularly pertinent given the government's focus on cutting spending.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
This year it's particularly pertinent given the government's focus on cutting spending.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Fantastic to see Whitehall Monitor 2026 published today!
It's jam-packed full of analysis on all things civil service. A quick thread on what we found on civil service pay..
It's jam-packed full of analysis on all things civil service. A quick thread on what we found on civil service pay..
📢NEW REPORT📢
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Whitehall Monitor 2026 | Institute for Government
Labour’s efforts to ‘rewire the state’ aren’t addressing longstanding workforce problems.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 10:14 AM
Fantastic to see Whitehall Monitor 2026 published today!
It's jam-packed full of analysis on all things civil service. A quick thread on what we found on civil service pay..
It's jam-packed full of analysis on all things civil service. A quick thread on what we found on civil service pay..
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
📢NEW REPORT📢
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Whitehall Monitor 2026 | Institute for Government
Labour’s efforts to ‘rewire the state’ aren’t addressing longstanding workforce problems.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 13, 2026 at 8:19 AM
📢NEW REPORT📢
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Every year @instituteforgovernment.org.uk sets out the latest on the civil service - size, professions, pay, morale. You name it, we analyse it. This year's report is out today.
If you're interested in state capacity, you should be interested in what's happening in the civil service. 🧵
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
NEW: Report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on how and why boys from low-income families get left behind in their early years
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
The opportunity gap facing boys from low-income families at age 5 and beyond | Institute for Government
Early attainment gaps mean some boys don't just start behind, they stay behind.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 20, 2025 at 7:41 AM
NEW: Report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on how and why boys from low-income families get left behind in their early years
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
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 Jack Worlidge
The @instituteforgovernment.org.uk team is back on our party conference travels.
This time to Manchester, where @kemibadenochmp.bsky.social is under pressure to give the Conservatives reason to be optimistic - writes @jackworlidge.bsky.social:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/kemi...
This time to Manchester, where @kemibadenochmp.bsky.social is under pressure to give the Conservatives reason to be optimistic - writes @jackworlidge.bsky.social:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/kemi...
Can Kemi Badenoch bring optimism to the Conservative Party Conference? | Institute for Government
The Conservative Party Conference brings challenges and opportunities for the leader of the opposition.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 5, 2025 at 2:28 PM
The @instituteforgovernment.org.uk team is back on our party conference travels.
This time to Manchester, where @kemibadenochmp.bsky.social is under pressure to give the Conservatives reason to be optimistic - writes @jackworlidge.bsky.social:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/kemi...
This time to Manchester, where @kemibadenochmp.bsky.social is under pressure to give the Conservatives reason to be optimistic - writes @jackworlidge.bsky.social:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/kemi...
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
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...
The essential analysis of latest changes in civil service staff numbers from @howesdaniel.bsky.social 👇
No surprise that the civil service is *still* growing, though at a far lower rate than in recent years
No surprise that the civil service is *still* growing, though at a far lower rate than in recent years
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 4:00 PM
The essential analysis of latest changes in civil service staff numbers from @howesdaniel.bsky.social 👇
No surprise that the civil service is *still* growing, though at a far lower rate than in recent years
No surprise that the civil service is *still* growing, though at a far lower rate than in recent years
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
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:
Brilliant new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk research from @teodorgrama.bsky.social on the civil service fast stream - setting out how it's lost its sense of purpose, and what should be done about it 👇
Civil service graduate talent scheme needs urgent reform, says thinktank
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
The civil service’s fast stream needs urgent reform as many graduates are leaving before the end of the scheme amid dissatisfaction with pay and progression, according to a report.
The Institute for Government (IfG) thinktank found the flagship graduate talent scheme lacks a clear purpose and direction at a time when the government is trying to overhaul the civil service to make it more productive. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
September 4, 2025 at 10:51 AM
Brilliant new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk research from @teodorgrama.bsky.social on the civil service fast stream - setting out how it's lost its sense of purpose, and what should be done about it 👇
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
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 Jack Worlidge
I'm not blaming anyone in particular. 100% of the pressures in politics are short term, 95% of the policy dilemmas are long term, and so government is basically a dialogue of the deaf. A wonk in one corner saying "we need difficult tax reform" and a PR guy responding "give me something for the Mail"
September 1, 2025 at 7:49 AM
I'm not blaming anyone in particular. 100% of the pressures in politics are short term, 95% of the policy dilemmas are long term, and so government is basically a dialogue of the deaf. A wonk in one corner saying "we need difficult tax reform" and a PR guy responding "give me something for the Mail"
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
The government is restricting civil service internships to applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds to get more working-class young people into the civil service.
Using internships will not solve everything, but the experiment is worthwhile www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/soci...
Using internships will not solve everything, but the experiment is worthwhile www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/soci...
The socio-economic background of civil servants needs to change | Institute for Government
No internship scheme will change the fundamental structural points which the civil service needs to address.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
August 1, 2025 at 2:35 PM
The government is restricting civil service internships to applicants from lower socio-economic backgrounds to get more working-class young people into the civil service.
Using internships will not solve everything, but the experiment is worthwhile www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/soci...
Using internships will not solve everything, but the experiment is worthwhile www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/soci...
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
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 👇
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
Joining @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and @jackworlidge.bsky.social, looking at grades in this year's CS Stats, the growth of Grades 6/7 continues, rising 5% from 2024. All grades have continued to grow, except AO/AA. But growth is slowing - except for SCS, which grew more in 2024-25 than 2023-24. (1/2)
July 31, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Joining @hannahkeenan.bsky.social and @jackworlidge.bsky.social, looking at grades in this year's CS Stats, the growth of Grades 6/7 continues, rising 5% from 2024. All grades have continued to grow, except AO/AA. But growth is slowing - except for SCS, which grew more in 2024-25 than 2023-24. (1/2)
Civil service pay is another interesting story in this year's stats, with real terms pay ticking up again as expected...
Happy civil service statistics release day to all who celebrate!
Lots more to come from colleagues @jackworlidge.bsky.social, @hcdunlop.bsky.social, and @alexgathomas.bsky.social, but some initial thoughts on turnover, and the possibility that churn is hiding in the stats...
Lots more to come from colleagues @jackworlidge.bsky.social, @hcdunlop.bsky.social, and @alexgathomas.bsky.social, but some initial thoughts on turnover, and the possibility that churn is hiding in the stats...
July 31, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Civil service pay is another interesting story in this year's stats, with real terms pay ticking up again as expected...
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
Departmental Efficiency Plans published alongside the spending review project major efficiency gains in the next few years. For some depts, these plans are heavily weighted towards the end of the SR period. And many depts seem to be betting big on digital to deliver the efficiencies they seek.
June 11, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Departmental Efficiency Plans published alongside the spending review project major efficiency gains in the next few years. For some depts, these plans are heavily weighted towards the end of the SR period. And many depts seem to be betting big on digital to deliver the efficiencies they seek.
The SR confirms an overall 16% real terms cut to dept administration budgets by 2029/30 (which will drive down staff numbers)....
...but for lots of depts, including the largest and biggest spenders, these cuts are suspiciously (implausibly?) weighted to the final year
...but for lots of depts, including the largest and biggest spenders, these cuts are suspiciously (implausibly?) weighted to the final year
June 11, 2025 at 1:55 PM
The SR confirms an overall 16% real terms cut to dept administration budgets by 2029/30 (which will drive down staff numbers)....
...but for lots of depts, including the largest and biggest spenders, these cuts are suspiciously (implausibly?) weighted to the final year
...but for lots of depts, including the largest and biggest spenders, these cuts are suspiciously (implausibly?) weighted to the final year
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
When I was working at HMT, during one fiscal event, someone senior came on the building intercom to ask us to stop watching the statement on our computers, to free up some bandwidth so they could upload the documents. Maybe they still haven’t upgraded to fiber?
June 11, 2025 at 12:11 PM
When I was working at HMT, during one fiscal event, someone senior came on the building intercom to ask us to stop watching the statement on our computers, to free up some bandwidth so they could upload the documents. Maybe they still haven’t upgraded to fiber?
New civil service staff numbers out today - and it looks like we're *back* to expansion again...
Details from @teodorgrama.bsky.social 👇
Details from @teodorgrama.bsky.social 👇
🚨 Civil service expands… again
New data show CS staff numbers increased by 0.4% in Q1 2025.
The 2,020 additional staff more than wiped out the ~600 FTE reductions recorded in Q4 2024 (only the second quarter since the Brexit referendum when the CS shrank).
(Quick 🧵)
New data show CS staff numbers increased by 0.4% in Q1 2025.
The 2,020 additional staff more than wiped out the ~600 FTE reductions recorded in Q4 2024 (only the second quarter since the Brexit referendum when the CS shrank).
(Quick 🧵)
June 10, 2025 at 4:37 PM
New civil service staff numbers out today - and it looks like we're *back* to expansion again...
Details from @teodorgrama.bsky.social 👇
Details from @teodorgrama.bsky.social 👇
Reposted by Jack Worlidge
An overall positive result in the results of the recent Microsoft 365 Copilot experiment - with some risks to carefully manage 🧵
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
Microsoft 365 Copilot Experiment: Cross-Government Findings Report (HTML)
www.gov.uk
June 3, 2025 at 11:29 AM
An overall positive result in the results of the recent Microsoft 365 Copilot experiment - with some risks to carefully manage 🧵
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...