Patrick King
@patrickking.bsky.social
Working in AI policy, ex-think tanker. Views my own.
Reposted by Patrick King
On Wednesday we hosted Mayor David Skaith for an 'In Conversation' as part of ongoing 'Meetings with Mayors' series
Policy Director, @stkaye.bsky.social, has written a blog with his key takeaways from the event
Policy Director, @stkaye.bsky.social, has written a blog with his key takeaways from the event
May 2, 2025 at 8:20 AM
On Wednesday we hosted Mayor David Skaith for an 'In Conversation' as part of ongoing 'Meetings with Mayors' series
Policy Director, @stkaye.bsky.social, has written a blog with his key takeaways from the event
Policy Director, @stkaye.bsky.social, has written a blog with his key takeaways from the event
Reposted by Patrick King
Best of luck with what's next my friend. It has been a privelege.
🚨Personal news🚨
After three and a half brilliant, jam-packed years @reformthinktank.bsky.social, today is my final day
I'll still be based in Westminster (more on this to come). But if I could just give a quick shout out to the exceptional people I've worked with 🧵
After three and a half brilliant, jam-packed years @reformthinktank.bsky.social, today is my final day
I'll still be based in Westminster (more on this to come). But if I could just give a quick shout out to the exceptional people I've worked with 🧵
May 1, 2025 at 8:41 PM
Best of luck with what's next my friend. It has been a privelege.
🚨Personal news🚨
After three and a half brilliant, jam-packed years @reformthinktank.bsky.social, today is my final day
I'll still be based in Westminster (more on this to come). But if I could just give a quick shout out to the exceptional people I've worked with 🧵
After three and a half brilliant, jam-packed years @reformthinktank.bsky.social, today is my final day
I'll still be based in Westminster (more on this to come). But if I could just give a quick shout out to the exceptional people I've worked with 🧵
May 1, 2025 at 2:06 PM
🚨Personal news🚨
After three and a half brilliant, jam-packed years @reformthinktank.bsky.social, today is my final day
I'll still be based in Westminster (more on this to come). But if I could just give a quick shout out to the exceptional people I've worked with 🧵
After three and a half brilliant, jam-packed years @reformthinktank.bsky.social, today is my final day
I'll still be based in Westminster (more on this to come). But if I could just give a quick shout out to the exceptional people I've worked with 🧵
My last ever Reform blog!
On the dynamics of when it's best/easiest to enact radical change
On the dynamics of when it's best/easiest to enact radical change
'The paradox of radicalism'
In today's blog, @patrickking.bsky.social writes about why radical policies are hardest to advocate for when we need them most
reform.uk/comment/the-...
In today's blog, @patrickking.bsky.social writes about why radical policies are hardest to advocate for when we need them most
reform.uk/comment/the-...
The paradox of radicalism - REFORM
reform.uk
May 1, 2025 at 8:42 AM
My last ever Reform blog!
On the dynamics of when it's best/easiest to enact radical change
On the dynamics of when it's best/easiest to enact radical change
Reposted by Patrick King
Why do we continue to see competitive salaries in the public sector as a problem?
There are plenty of reasons to cull quangos, but how much senior staff are paid is not one of them
In fact being able to pay a competitive salary is one reasons quangos are created
There are plenty of reasons to cull quangos, but how much senior staff are paid is not one of them
In fact being able to pay a competitive salary is one reasons quangos are created
April 28, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Why do we continue to see competitive salaries in the public sector as a problem?
There are plenty of reasons to cull quangos, but how much senior staff are paid is not one of them
In fact being able to pay a competitive salary is one reasons quangos are created
There are plenty of reasons to cull quangos, but how much senior staff are paid is not one of them
In fact being able to pay a competitive salary is one reasons quangos are created
This says much more about the frugality of PM's pay than it does about officials running some of the most important and specialist parts of the State
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Figures show at least 350 bosses earn more than the Prime Minister
More than 350 quango bosses received a higher taxpayer-paid salary than the £172,153 Keir Starmer is entitled to.
www.dailymail.co.uk
April 28, 2025 at 8:07 AM
This says much more about the frugality of PM's pay than it does about officials running some of the most important and specialist parts of the State
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
I've been wanting to write about this for a while.
A senior official once told @reformthinktank.bsky.social that the future is "policymaking as code".
What does that say about the value of policymaking? And the future of the civil service/think tank/charity complex?
A senior official once told @reformthinktank.bsky.social that the future is "policymaking as code".
What does that say about the value of policymaking? And the future of the civil service/think tank/charity complex?
How does policymaking survive in an age of automation?
Our blog today, by @patrickking.bsky.social, looks at the future of what he calls the 'policy-industrial complex'👇
reform.uk/comment/the-...
Our blog today, by @patrickking.bsky.social, looks at the future of what he calls the 'policy-industrial complex'👇
reform.uk/comment/the-...
The policy-industrial complex - REFORM
reform.uk
April 24, 2025 at 8:09 AM
I've been wanting to write about this for a while.
A senior official once told @reformthinktank.bsky.social that the future is "policymaking as code".
What does that say about the value of policymaking? And the future of the civil service/think tank/charity complex?
A senior official once told @reformthinktank.bsky.social that the future is "policymaking as code".
What does that say about the value of policymaking? And the future of the civil service/think tank/charity complex?
Reposted by Patrick King
How can we make Neighbourhood Boards truly successful? 🏘️
In the blog this week, researcher, @floconway.bsky.social, shares her thoughts...
In the blog this week, researcher, @floconway.bsky.social, shares her thoughts...
April 23, 2025 at 8:42 AM
How can we make Neighbourhood Boards truly successful? 🏘️
In the blog this week, researcher, @floconway.bsky.social, shares her thoughts...
In the blog this week, researcher, @floconway.bsky.social, shares her thoughts...
Reposted by Patrick King
V excited for this next week! 🔥
What's it really like working inside Downing Street? What works, what doesn't? How does the machine need to change?
What's it really like working inside Downing Street? What works, what doesn't? How does the machine need to change?
April 22, 2025 at 9:33 AM
V excited for this next week! 🔥
What's it really like working inside Downing Street? What works, what doesn't? How does the machine need to change?
What's it really like working inside Downing Street? What works, what doesn't? How does the machine need to change?
Reposted by Patrick King
🎉The Blog is out!
This week, our Head of Health, @rosiebeacon.bsky.social, writes about the Govt's plans for secondary care and the challenges facing proposed reforms... 🏥🚑
This week, our Head of Health, @rosiebeacon.bsky.social, writes about the Govt's plans for secondary care and the challenges facing proposed reforms... 🏥🚑
April 16, 2025 at 10:20 AM
🎉The Blog is out!
This week, our Head of Health, @rosiebeacon.bsky.social, writes about the Govt's plans for secondary care and the challenges facing proposed reforms... 🏥🚑
This week, our Head of Health, @rosiebeacon.bsky.social, writes about the Govt's plans for secondary care and the challenges facing proposed reforms... 🏥🚑
The 'prioritise my thing' in Whitehall playbook:
1) The empowered Chair/Chief Exec
2) Unlimited authority - granted direct from PM
3) Single business case + budget
4) Pay *much* more than civil service to get *actual experts*
1) The empowered Chair/Chief Exec
2) Unlimited authority - granted direct from PM
3) Single business case + budget
4) Pay *much* more than civil service to get *actual experts*
April 16, 2025 at 12:12 PM
The 'prioritise my thing' in Whitehall playbook:
1) The empowered Chair/Chief Exec
2) Unlimited authority - granted direct from PM
3) Single business case + budget
4) Pay *much* more than civil service to get *actual experts*
1) The empowered Chair/Chief Exec
2) Unlimited authority - granted direct from PM
3) Single business case + budget
4) Pay *much* more than civil service to get *actual experts*
Reposted by Patrick King
Antimicrobial resistance is a major challenge to the UK’s health security and is already responsible for a significant burden of death, disability and prolonged illness globally.
We've submitted evidence to the Public Accounts Committee's inquiry on AMR governance, with insights from our research👇
We've submitted evidence to the Public Accounts Committee's inquiry on AMR governance, with insights from our research👇
April 14, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Antimicrobial resistance is a major challenge to the UK’s health security and is already responsible for a significant burden of death, disability and prolonged illness globally.
We've submitted evidence to the Public Accounts Committee's inquiry on AMR governance, with insights from our research👇
We've submitted evidence to the Public Accounts Committee's inquiry on AMR governance, with insights from our research👇
Great to see the Evaluation Registry go live.
As we argued in Efficiency Mindset, there should be every incentive for depts to develop policies with a strong VfM evidence base.
Making past evaluations more transparent & accessible clearly supports this.
civilservice.blog.gov.uk/2025/03/31/p...
As we argued in Efficiency Mindset, there should be every incentive for depts to develop policies with a strong VfM evidence base.
Making past evaluations more transparent & accessible clearly supports this.
civilservice.blog.gov.uk/2025/03/31/p...
Public Launch of the Evaluation Registry
Today, the Evaluation Task Force – a joint Cabinet Office and HM Treasury team – has launched the Evaluation Registry, a new website on GOV.UK. The Registry brings together all planned, ongoing, and c...
civilservice.blog.gov.uk
April 9, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Great to see the Evaluation Registry go live.
As we argued in Efficiency Mindset, there should be every incentive for depts to develop policies with a strong VfM evidence base.
Making past evaluations more transparent & accessible clearly supports this.
civilservice.blog.gov.uk/2025/03/31/p...
As we argued in Efficiency Mindset, there should be every incentive for depts to develop policies with a strong VfM evidence base.
Making past evaluations more transparent & accessible clearly supports this.
civilservice.blog.gov.uk/2025/03/31/p...
Reposted by Patrick King
We need to boldly commission a public review in how we mean to be bold. Then conduct a consultation on bold measures, put that through several cabinet committees, notably the Committee on Bold Action, and then argue about them in the run up to a fiscal moment. Where we'll discover there's no money
I am getting increasingly frustrated by Labour bigwigs speechifying about how the world has changed and we need to be bold and then... not being bold
April 8, 2025 at 12:45 PM
We need to boldly commission a public review in how we mean to be bold. Then conduct a consultation on bold measures, put that through several cabinet committees, notably the Committee on Bold Action, and then argue about them in the run up to a fiscal moment. Where we'll discover there's no money
@theguardian.com is reporting that “In cases where it is essential quangos are independent from ministerial decision-making, for example those with a regulatory function or that scrutinise government or protect the rule of law, then these will remain unaffected.”
t.co/h3OcjAIz09
t.co/h3OcjAIz09
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2025/apr/06/ministers-consider-abolishing-hundreds-of-quangos-sources-say
t.co
April 7, 2025 at 6:53 AM
@theguardian.com is reporting that “In cases where it is essential quangos are independent from ministerial decision-making, for example those with a regulatory function or that scrutinise government or protect the rule of law, then these will remain unaffected.”
t.co/h3OcjAIz09
t.co/h3OcjAIz09
Reposted by Patrick King
Reform of the State is a precursor to economic growth.
As @chriscurtis94.bsky.social says, the risk of keeping the status quo now "significantly outweighs the risk of reform".
Our report with @labourgrowth.bsky.social sets out key steps that would allow for a more nimble, effective Whitehall.
As @chriscurtis94.bsky.social says, the risk of keeping the status quo now "significantly outweighs the risk of reform".
Our report with @labourgrowth.bsky.social sets out key steps that would allow for a more nimble, effective Whitehall.
March 31, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Reform of the State is a precursor to economic growth.
As @chriscurtis94.bsky.social says, the risk of keeping the status quo now "significantly outweighs the risk of reform".
Our report with @labourgrowth.bsky.social sets out key steps that would allow for a more nimble, effective Whitehall.
As @chriscurtis94.bsky.social says, the risk of keeping the status quo now "significantly outweighs the risk of reform".
Our report with @labourgrowth.bsky.social sets out key steps that would allow for a more nimble, effective Whitehall.
It's really excellent to see today's announcement on pharmacy, and investment matching rhetoric on the shift to community health provision.
We should recognise and reward decision-makers when they break from the status quo & immediate to invest in the long-term & important.
We should recognise and reward decision-makers when they break from the status quo & immediate to invest in the long-term & important.
Senior Researcher, @Patrick_S_King, gives his reaction to today's announcement of the new funding settlement for community pharmacy:
reform.uk/blog/incenti...
reform.uk/blog/incenti...
reform.uk
March 31, 2025 at 4:04 PM
It's really excellent to see today's announcement on pharmacy, and investment matching rhetoric on the shift to community health provision.
We should recognise and reward decision-makers when they break from the status quo & immediate to invest in the long-term & important.
We should recognise and reward decision-makers when they break from the status quo & immediate to invest in the long-term & important.
In a competitive and uncertain world, economic growth relies on a capable state that can act decisively to create opportunities and unblock barriers to progress
Great to partner with @labourgrowth.bsky.social to make the case for Whitehall reform!
Great to partner with @labourgrowth.bsky.social to make the case for Whitehall reform!
📢NEW REPORT: BUILDING STATE CAPACITY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
The Government have fired the starting gun for deep reform of the State.
To respond to the challenges we face and unlock growth, they must now go further. Our report published with @labourgrowth.bsky.social offers the blueprint👇
The Government have fired the starting gun for deep reform of the State.
To respond to the challenges we face and unlock growth, they must now go further. Our report published with @labourgrowth.bsky.social offers the blueprint👇
March 31, 2025 at 8:17 AM
In a competitive and uncertain world, economic growth relies on a capable state that can act decisively to create opportunities and unblock barriers to progress
Great to partner with @labourgrowth.bsky.social to make the case for Whitehall reform!
Great to partner with @labourgrowth.bsky.social to make the case for Whitehall reform!
Reposted by Patrick King
Well this is exciting
We've joined up with the @labourgrowth.bsky.social to publish 9 steps to rewiring the State
Reforming Whitehall is not a technocratic exercise, its essential to building a better Britain. This paper makes the case for turning gov into an enabler of growth
We've joined up with the @labourgrowth.bsky.social to publish 9 steps to rewiring the State
Reforming Whitehall is not a technocratic exercise, its essential to building a better Britain. This paper makes the case for turning gov into an enabler of growth
📢NEW REPORT: BUILDING STATE CAPACITY FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH
The Government have fired the starting gun for deep reform of the State.
To respond to the challenges we face and unlock growth, they must now go further. Our report published with @labourgrowth.bsky.social offers the blueprint👇
The Government have fired the starting gun for deep reform of the State.
To respond to the challenges we face and unlock growth, they must now go further. Our report published with @labourgrowth.bsky.social offers the blueprint👇
March 31, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Well this is exciting
We've joined up with the @labourgrowth.bsky.social to publish 9 steps to rewiring the State
Reforming Whitehall is not a technocratic exercise, its essential to building a better Britain. This paper makes the case for turning gov into an enabler of growth
We've joined up with the @labourgrowth.bsky.social to publish 9 steps to rewiring the State
Reforming Whitehall is not a technocratic exercise, its essential to building a better Britain. This paper makes the case for turning gov into an enabler of growth
A brilliant and rare opportunity to come and work on some of the most interesting Qs of State capacity and resilience! What could be more important or timely?
Highly recommend applying, and happy to chat about the role!
Highly recommend applying, and happy to chat about the role!
📢 Come work with me!
We're hiring at Research Manager & Senior Researcher levels to work directly with me @reformthinktank.bsky.social on our civil service reform programme.
Great opportunity to be part of a small, high-performing team at a Westminster think tank. Deadline 4th April 🔗👇
We're hiring at Research Manager & Senior Researcher levels to work directly with me @reformthinktank.bsky.social on our civil service reform programme.
Great opportunity to be part of a small, high-performing team at a Westminster think tank. Deadline 4th April 🔗👇
March 28, 2025 at 4:30 PM
A brilliant and rare opportunity to come and work on some of the most interesting Qs of State capacity and resilience! What could be more important or timely?
Highly recommend applying, and happy to chat about the role!
Highly recommend applying, and happy to chat about the role!
Reposted by Patrick King
Missed our Spring Statement debrief event yesterday?
Senior Researcher @patrickking.bsky.social has you covered with the key takeaways:
reform.uk/comment/lets...
Senior Researcher @patrickking.bsky.social has you covered with the key takeaways:
reform.uk/comment/lets...
Let's get fiscal - REFORM
reform.uk
March 28, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Missed our Spring Statement debrief event yesterday?
Senior Researcher @patrickking.bsky.social has you covered with the key takeaways:
reform.uk/comment/lets...
Senior Researcher @patrickking.bsky.social has you covered with the key takeaways:
reform.uk/comment/lets...
Our statement/budget debriefs are mr fav events in the Reform calendar
And this one’s set to be as good as any!
I’ll be blogging some key takeaways after. Stayed tuned!
And this one’s set to be as good as any!
I’ll be blogging some key takeaways after. Stayed tuned!
As the dust settles on yesterday's spring statement, we're thrilled to be hosting an expert debrief today with Richard Hughes, Chair, OBR, @chriscurtis94.bsky.social, and @lindayueh.bsky.social
Follow for live updates and recording!
Follow for live updates and recording!
March 27, 2025 at 1:23 PM
Our statement/budget debriefs are mr fav events in the Reform calendar
And this one’s set to be as good as any!
I’ll be blogging some key takeaways after. Stayed tuned!
And this one’s set to be as good as any!
I’ll be blogging some key takeaways after. Stayed tuned!
Petition to bring back serious budget covers
March 26, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Petition to bring back serious budget covers
Reposted by Patrick King
@floconway.bsky.social and @patrickking.bsky.social argue in the MJ that delivering neighbourhood health will mean being radical in devolving power and resources to hyper-local areas👇
www.themj.co.uk/designing-hy...
www.themj.co.uk/designing-hy...
Designing hyper-local prevention-focused services
On entering government, the health secretary declared the NHS broken. Fixing it will mean embedding local leadership at heart of the health system – and particularly...
www.themj.co.uk
March 25, 2025 at 2:24 PM
@floconway.bsky.social and @patrickking.bsky.social argue in the MJ that delivering neighbourhood health will mean being radical in devolving power and resources to hyper-local areas👇
www.themj.co.uk/designing-hy...
www.themj.co.uk/designing-hy...
The biggest neighbourhood health wins will come through experimentation not central direction
Our report today argues that the design of a neighbourhood health service must put the autonomy of local leaders and providers front and centre
My blog, on other key design principles👇
Our report today argues that the design of a neighbourhood health service must put the autonomy of local leaders and providers front and centre
My blog, on other key design principles👇
Senior Researcher @patrickking.bsky.social has written a blog to mark the launch of our latest paper: Designing a Neighbourhood Health Service
He discusses the 3 core components shared by the most mature and high-impact neighbourhood systems
He discusses the 3 core components shared by the most mature and high-impact neighbourhood systems
March 25, 2025 at 10:34 AM
The biggest neighbourhood health wins will come through experimentation not central direction
Our report today argues that the design of a neighbourhood health service must put the autonomy of local leaders and providers front and centre
My blog, on other key design principles👇
Our report today argues that the design of a neighbourhood health service must put the autonomy of local leaders and providers front and centre
My blog, on other key design principles👇