Sophie Metcalfe
@sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social
Senior researcher in policymaking at Institute for Government - especially all things housing, planning and early years
Pinned
Policy making for left-behind groups: School readiness | Institute for Government
How can government start closing the opportunity gap in early years education?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
NEW report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on school readiness:
- Who is most at risk of not being school ready?
- What does this mean for the govt's opportunities mission? Is the target for 75% of children to be 'school ready' helpful?
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
- Who is most at risk of not being school ready?
- What does this mean for the govt's opportunities mission? Is the target for 75% of children to be 'school ready' helpful?
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
This is a tragic, beautiful piece that highlights the brutal reality of life for many repeat offenders.
When I met Craig he was 13 and homeless. I still thought his life might turn around. I was tragically wrong
The long read: I knew he was running away from something. It wasn’t until many years later that I discovered the truth
www.theguardian.com
November 11, 2025 at 5:32 PM
This is a tragic, beautiful piece that highlights the brutal reality of life for many repeat offenders.
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Reform-led Worcestershire County Council (WCC) have published a briefing about their financial position, explaining why they might have to raise council tax by 10%
It's a pretty perfect encapsulation of the extreme financial pressures facing most local authorities
Key points 👇
It's a pretty perfect encapsulation of the extreme financial pressures facing most local authorities
Key points 👇
October 24, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Reform-led Worcestershire County Council (WCC) have published a briefing about their financial position, explaining why they might have to raise council tax by 10%
It's a pretty perfect encapsulation of the extreme financial pressures facing most local authorities
Key points 👇
It's a pretty perfect encapsulation of the extreme financial pressures facing most local authorities
Key points 👇
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Some - cautious - good news on the govt’s civil service gagging rules
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
A welcome clarification on the rules ‘gagging’ civil servants | Institute for Government
New guidance on civil servants speaking in public is a welcome return to common sense.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 23, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Some - cautious - good news on the govt’s civil service gagging rules
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
Nick Thomas-Symonds has written to us rowing back on the worst aspects: “it is important for civil servants to speak in public about matters for which they have responsibility”
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/welc...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
We've had a few surprising moves in this reshuffle so far - one of the big ones is Shabana Mahmood becoming home secretary. On our liveblog I've given a bit of an overview of what she'll face coming in:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
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 4:06 PM
We've had a few surprising moves in this reshuffle so far - one of the big ones is Shabana Mahmood becoming home secretary. On our liveblog I've given a bit of an overview of what she'll face coming in:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/live-blog/st...
New blog from @nehaldavison.bsky.social and I reflecting on the Best Start in Life strategy.
Interesting to see the govt signal it wants a bigger role in shaping the childcare market - there's a strong case for it, but it will be hard to do well and local areas will need the right support.
Interesting to see the govt signal it wants a bigger role in shaping the childcare market - there's a strong case for it, but it will be hard to do well and local areas will need the right support.
The early years were missing from last month’s SR, but Labour’s Best Start in Life strategy shows they are still committed. Read @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and my and my take on what it gets right - and what it’ll take to make it a reality.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/labo...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/labo...
Labour’s Best Start in Life Strategy has got off to a good start – now comes the hard part | Institute for Government
The government’s early years strategy signals strong intent, but will require confident, careful steering to make it a reality.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
July 14, 2025 at 1:09 PM
New blog from @nehaldavison.bsky.social and I reflecting on the Best Start in Life strategy.
Interesting to see the govt signal it wants a bigger role in shaping the childcare market - there's a strong case for it, but it will be hard to do well and local areas will need the right support.
Interesting to see the govt signal it wants a bigger role in shaping the childcare market - there's a strong case for it, but it will be hard to do well and local areas will need the right support.
A mixed picture for the 'best start in life' strand of the Opportunities Mission in the SR today.
Welcome news on investment in schools, but early years provision for 0-4yrs is comparably absent - surprising given the PfC milestone commitment for 75% of 5-yr-olds to be school ready by 2028.
Welcome news on investment in schools, but early years provision for 0-4yrs is comparably absent - surprising given the PfC milestone commitment for 75% of 5-yr-olds to be school ready by 2028.
June 11, 2025 at 2:42 PM
A mixed picture for the 'best start in life' strand of the Opportunities Mission in the SR today.
Welcome news on investment in schools, but early years provision for 0-4yrs is comparably absent - surprising given the PfC milestone commitment for 75% of 5-yr-olds to be school ready by 2028.
Welcome news on investment in schools, but early years provision for 0-4yrs is comparably absent - surprising given the PfC milestone commitment for 75% of 5-yr-olds to be school ready by 2028.
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Are you a commercially minded communicator with a passion for public policy? We are looking for a Senior Partnerships Officer to join our team.
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
May 23, 2025 at 4:45 PM
Are you a commercially minded communicator with a passion for public policy? We are looking for a Senior Partnerships Officer to join our team.
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Applications are open until Sunday 8 June - find out more www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
It's been brilliant talking to lots of early years experts for this series - many thanks to everyone who kindly gave us their time.
Excited to set out our plans for continuing this work here, with a particular focus on closing the early years opportunity gap for boys eligible for free school meals.
Excited to set out our plans for continuing this work here, with a particular focus on closing the early years opportunity gap for boys eligible for free school meals.
Thanks to all the early years experts who’ve shared insights on the govt’s opportunity mission.
Next up: boys eligible for free school meals – one of the most persistently left-behind groups.
More here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/early-years-...
Next up: boys eligible for free school meals – one of the most persistently left-behind groups.
More here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/early-years-...
Closing the early years opportunity gap for boys eligible for free school meals | Institute for Government
Next steps for the IfG's work on school readiness.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
May 27, 2025 at 9:47 AM
It's been brilliant talking to lots of early years experts for this series - many thanks to everyone who kindly gave us their time.
Excited to set out our plans for continuing this work here, with a particular focus on closing the early years opportunity gap for boys eligible for free school meals.
Excited to set out our plans for continuing this work here, with a particular focus on closing the early years opportunity gap for boys eligible for free school meals.
A big next step in the govt's Places for Growth strategy. With the right support, relocation can bring great benefits - see my write-up from visiting Sheffield policy campus here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/shef...
May 14, 2025 at 12:59 PM
A big next step in the govt's Places for Growth strategy. With the right support, relocation can bring great benefits - see my write-up from visiting Sheffield policy campus here www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/shef...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Excellent new report from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and @homelessnessimpact.bsky.social on how to take a preventative approach to homelessness.
The govt's current approach is unsustainable. The spending review is a crucial opportunity to turn that around.
Full report👇or read my🧵for a snippet
The govt's current approach is unsustainable. The spending review is a crucial opportunity to turn that around.
Full report👇or read my🧵for a snippet
A smarter approach to homelessness | Institute for Government
Prioritising prevention in the 2025 spending review.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
May 13, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Excellent new report from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk and @homelessnessimpact.bsky.social on how to take a preventative approach to homelessness.
The govt's current approach is unsustainable. The spending review is a crucial opportunity to turn that around.
Full report👇or read my🧵for a snippet
The govt's current approach is unsustainable. The spending review is a crucial opportunity to turn that around.
Full report👇or read my🧵for a snippet
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Enjoyed our Rewiring the State event this morning - lots to discuss, including our draft Civil Service Bill
[NEW] A new Civil Service Act
We have led calls for a new statute for the civil service to underpin its role as a vital part of the state, and to improve its management and oversight
Read our draft Bill designed to achieve these objectives 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
We have led calls for a new statute for the civil service to underpin its role as a vital part of the state, and to improve its management and oversight
Read our draft Bill designed to achieve these objectives 👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
A new Civil Service Act | Institute for Government
The Institute for Government presents a draft Civil Service Bill.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
May 12, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Enjoyed our Rewiring the State event this morning - lots to discuss, including our draft Civil Service Bill
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Interested in joining the @instituteforgov.bsky.social? Our 2025-26 internship is now open for applications! Check out all the info at the link below
Interested in making government more effective? Applications for our 2025–26 research internship programme, starting in September 2025, are now open.
Closing date: Tuesday 29 April, 11:00 ⏰
Find out more:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Closing date: Tuesday 29 April, 11:00 ⏰
Find out more:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
April 7, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Interested in joining the @instituteforgov.bsky.social? Our 2025-26 internship is now open for applications! Check out all the info at the link below
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
It’s time for my favourite video of the year
Our wonderful interns talk about the @instituteforgov.bsky.social and encourage anyone interested to apply for this year’s round
Our wonderful interns talk about the @instituteforgov.bsky.social and encourage anyone interested to apply for this year’s round
And if you want to know more what life as an IfG intern is really like, watch as our current interns discuss their experience and share their advice for applying youtu.be/fqCU3xhtP0Y
April 1, 2025 at 8:36 PM
It’s time for my favourite video of the year
Our wonderful interns talk about the @instituteforgov.bsky.social and encourage anyone interested to apply for this year’s round
Our wonderful interns talk about the @instituteforgov.bsky.social and encourage anyone interested to apply for this year’s round
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Planning reform given big emphasis in Rachel Reeves' statement today, including key measures from last week's Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
For a breakdown of 5 major changes, check out this recent blog from @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and me
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/five...
For a breakdown of 5 major changes, check out this recent blog from @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and me
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/five...
Five key changes set out in the Planning and Infrastructure Bill | Institute for Government
What is the potential impact of the government's planning bill?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
March 26, 2025 at 1:14 PM
Planning reform given big emphasis in Rachel Reeves' statement today, including key measures from last week's Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
For a breakdown of 5 major changes, check out this recent blog from @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and me
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/five...
For a breakdown of 5 major changes, check out this recent blog from @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social and me
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/five...
Check out @theipaper.com write-up of our report on school readiness - setting out which groups of children are falling furthest behind even at age 5, and what this means for the government's opportunities mission.
NEW: Fascinating new @instituteforgov.bsky.social report on school readiness
What is the impact of gov's target - for 75% of 5 year-olds to be ‘school ready’ by end of the parliament - on its "break down barriers to opportunity’ mission?
Full @theipaper.com write up:
inews.co.uk/news/educati...
What is the impact of gov's target - for 75% of 5 year-olds to be ‘school ready’ by end of the parliament - on its "break down barriers to opportunity’ mission?
Full @theipaper.com write up:
inews.co.uk/news/educati...
Less than half of boys from deprived backgrounds ready for school aged five
New analysis has found just 43% of boys from deprived backgrounds are deemed school ready in comparison to 60% of girls
inews.co.uk
March 24, 2025 at 4:57 PM
Check out @theipaper.com write-up of our report on school readiness - setting out which groups of children are falling furthest behind even at age 5, and what this means for the government's opportunities mission.
NEW report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on school readiness:
- Who is most at risk of not being school ready?
- What does this mean for the govt's opportunities mission? Is the target for 75% of children to be 'school ready' helpful?
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
- Who is most at risk of not being school ready?
- What does this mean for the govt's opportunities mission? Is the target for 75% of children to be 'school ready' helpful?
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Policy making for left-behind groups: School readiness | Institute for Government
How can government start closing the opportunity gap in early years education?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
March 24, 2025 at 4:32 PM
NEW report from me and @nehaldavison.bsky.social on school readiness:
- Who is most at risk of not being school ready?
- What does this mean for the govt's opportunities mission? Is the target for 75% of children to be 'school ready' helpful?
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
- Who is most at risk of not being school ready?
- What does this mean for the govt's opportunities mission? Is the target for 75% of children to be 'school ready' helpful?
🧵⬇️
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
A very big week for @instituteforgov.bsky.social and our Inside Briefing pod. We’re recording in Hull now and our instalment featuring the PM will land in your podcast feeds tonight.
We’ve just recorded this week’s Inside Briefing - with the prime minister joining us following today’s speech in Yorkshire.
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social’s interview with Keir Starmer will be landing in your podcast feeds tonight www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/our-podcasts...
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social’s interview with Keir Starmer will be landing in your podcast feeds tonight www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/our-podcasts...
March 13, 2025 at 12:58 PM
A very big week for @instituteforgov.bsky.social and our Inside Briefing pod. We’re recording in Hull now and our instalment featuring the PM will land in your podcast feeds tonight.
Latest from me for @redbrickblog.bsky.social, setting out what the government needs to get right in its forthcoming housing strategy 🏘️
NEW | Labour’s housing strategy needs to inspire confidence in a daunting context
The forthcoming long-term housing strategy should set the agenda for the next five years or more, the IfG’s @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social writes.
redbrickblog.co.uk/2025/02/labo...
The forthcoming long-term housing strategy should set the agenda for the next five years or more, the IfG’s @sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social writes.
redbrickblog.co.uk/2025/02/labo...
Labour’s housing strategy needs to inspire confidence in a daunting context - Red Brick
The forthcoming long-term housing strategy should set the agenda for the next five years or more.
redbrickblog.co.uk
February 11, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Latest from me for @redbrickblog.bsky.social, setting out what the government needs to get right in its forthcoming housing strategy 🏘️
NEW from me and @rosahodgkin.bsky.social on govt's planning announcements over the last week
TLDR:
- lots welcome
- how govt delivers these is important
- private market expansion also relies on industry capacity (via interest rates, skills etc.)
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
TLDR:
- lots welcome
- how govt delivers these is important
- private market expansion also relies on industry capacity (via interest rates, skills etc.)
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
The government’s welcome planning reforms alone won’t deliver Starmer’s ‘building boom’ | Institute for Government
The government's planning reforms are bold and ambitious.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 27, 2025 at 4:55 PM
NEW from me and @rosahodgkin.bsky.social on govt's planning announcements over the last week
TLDR:
- lots welcome
- how govt delivers these is important
- private market expansion also relies on industry capacity (via interest rates, skills etc.)
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
TLDR:
- lots welcome
- how govt delivers these is important
- private market expansion also relies on industry capacity (via interest rates, skills etc.)
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/gove...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
EVENT: The future of the Civil Service Policy Profession
🗓️ Thursday 6 Feb, 10:00
Register to hear Tamara Finkelstein, Aaron Maniam, Lord Vallance discuss the Policy Profession and how to embed professional expertise in the policy-making process www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
🗓️ Thursday 6 Feb, 10:00
Register to hear Tamara Finkelstein, Aaron Maniam, Lord Vallance discuss the Policy Profession and how to embed professional expertise in the policy-making process www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
January 23, 2025 at 12:06 PM
EVENT: The future of the Civil Service Policy Profession
🗓️ Thursday 6 Feb, 10:00
Register to hear Tamara Finkelstein, Aaron Maniam, Lord Vallance discuss the Policy Profession and how to embed professional expertise in the policy-making process www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
🗓️ Thursday 6 Feb, 10:00
Register to hear Tamara Finkelstein, Aaron Maniam, Lord Vallance discuss the Policy Profession and how to embed professional expertise in the policy-making process www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Delighted to see this very kind review of our work last year on housing, and it's in great company too www.insidehousing.co.uk/insight/the-...
January 22, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Delighted to see this very kind review of our work last year on housing, and it's in great company too www.insidehousing.co.uk/insight/the-...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
🎙️Rachel Reeves takes a Gilt Trip..
A busy and brilliant @instituteforgov.bsky.social podcast with:
@estwebber.bsky.social
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social
@timdurrant.bsky.social
@gilesyb.bsky.social
@jackworlidge.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...
A busy and brilliant @instituteforgov.bsky.social podcast with:
@estwebber.bsky.social
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social
@timdurrant.bsky.social
@gilesyb.bsky.social
@jackworlidge.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...
Rachel Reeves takes a gilt trip
Podcast Episode · INSIDE BRIEFING with Institute for Government · 17/01/2025 · 47m
podcasts.apple.com
January 17, 2025 at 4:19 PM
🎙️Rachel Reeves takes a Gilt Trip..
A busy and brilliant @instituteforgov.bsky.social podcast with:
@estwebber.bsky.social
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social
@timdurrant.bsky.social
@gilesyb.bsky.social
@jackworlidge.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...
A busy and brilliant @instituteforgov.bsky.social podcast with:
@estwebber.bsky.social
@drhannahwhite.bsky.social
@timdurrant.bsky.social
@gilesyb.bsky.social
@jackworlidge.bsky.social
podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/r...
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
Today we’ve published Whitehall Monitor, the IfG’s annual report looking at the shape and size of the civil service
As well as incisive analysis on how the civil service is performing, it also contains loads of great data viz. A short thread on some of my highlights 🧵
As well as incisive analysis on how the civil service is performing, it also contains loads of great data viz. A short thread on some of my highlights 🧵
January 16, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Today we’ve published Whitehall Monitor, the IfG’s annual report looking at the shape and size of the civil service
As well as incisive analysis on how the civil service is performing, it also contains loads of great data viz. A short thread on some of my highlights 🧵
As well as incisive analysis on how the civil service is performing, it also contains loads of great data viz. A short thread on some of my highlights 🧵
ICYMI - new reflections from me on a fascinating trip to the Sheffield policy campus for @instituteforgov.bsky.social
Some big successes on outreach and senior civil service presence, but further to go on joined-up and regionally collaborative policymaking.
Some big successes on outreach and senior civil service presence, but further to go on joined-up and regionally collaborative policymaking.
@sophiemetcalfe.bsky.social
visited the Sheffield Policy Campus in October – home to the largest number of policy civil servants outside London. Check out her comment on its successes so far and how it can step up a gear to be truly transformative👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/shef...
visited the Sheffield Policy Campus in October – home to the largest number of policy civil servants outside London. Check out her comment on its successes so far and how it can step up a gear to be truly transformative👇 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/shef...
More support would make the Sheffield Policy Campus success truly transformative | Institute for Government
Sheffield can be a "test and learn pioneer" at the heart of the government's plans to rewire the civil service.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 6, 2025 at 11:33 AM
ICYMI - new reflections from me on a fascinating trip to the Sheffield policy campus for @instituteforgov.bsky.social
Some big successes on outreach and senior civil service presence, but further to go on joined-up and regionally collaborative policymaking.
Some big successes on outreach and senior civil service presence, but further to go on joined-up and regionally collaborative policymaking.
Reposted by Sophie Metcalfe
A thought from me on the English Devolution White Paper out yesterday...
December 17, 2024 at 10:00 AM
A thought from me on the English Devolution White Paper out yesterday...