Philip Nye
@philipnye.bsky.social
Senior data scientist @instituteforgovernment.org.uk • Words and numbers on what the govt is up to, edu policy, doing data at a thinktank • Bilingual: 🐍/SQL • Sign up to the IfG newsletter: http://bit.ly/3xDINTz
We now have discussion of how well the #FOI system is working, with:
- John Edwards, the Information Commissioner
- Lord Falconer, former Lord Chancellor
- Lynn Wyeth, of the Campaign for FOI
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/foi-ac...
- John Edwards, the Information Commissioner
- Lord Falconer, former Lord Chancellor
- Lynn Wyeth, of the Campaign for FOI
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/foi-ac...
September 3, 2025 at 11:47 AM
We now have discussion of how well the #FOI system is working, with:
- John Edwards, the Information Commissioner
- Lord Falconer, former Lord Chancellor
- Lynn Wyeth, of the Campaign for FOI
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/foi-ac...
- John Edwards, the Information Commissioner
- Lord Falconer, former Lord Chancellor
- Lynn Wyeth, of the Campaign for FOI
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/foi-ac...
Great lineup for this event
marking 25 years since the passing of the #FOI Act and 20 years since it came into force - being streamed online here:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/foi-ac...
marking 25 years since the passing of the #FOI Act and 20 years since it came into force - being streamed online here:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/foi-ac...
September 3, 2025 at 11:08 AM
Great lineup for this event
marking 25 years since the passing of the #FOI Act and 20 years since it came into force - being streamed online here:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/foi-ac...
marking 25 years since the passing of the #FOI Act and 20 years since it came into force - being streamed online here:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/foi-ac...
Bikes on trains review: Brussels to London with Eurostar
Again, the in-person experience with Eurostar is very smooth: hand over your bike in Brussels and you get it back on the platform at St Pancras. Only the cost (£45) and the booking experience being the mark down
2.5/5
#Bikesky
Again, the in-person experience with Eurostar is very smooth: hand over your bike in Brussels and you get it back on the platform at St Pancras. Only the cost (£45) and the booking experience being the mark down
2.5/5
#Bikesky
August 28, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Bikes on trains review: Brussels to London with Eurostar
Again, the in-person experience with Eurostar is very smooth: hand over your bike in Brussels and you get it back on the platform at St Pancras. Only the cost (£45) and the booking experience being the mark down
2.5/5
#Bikesky
Again, the in-person experience with Eurostar is very smooth: hand over your bike in Brussels and you get it back on the platform at St Pancras. Only the cost (£45) and the booking experience being the mark down
2.5/5
#Bikesky
Bikes on trains review: Liège to Brussels Centrale with SNCB
A very easy transition at Liège and step-free access to the train. There are six of us in this carriage with bikes so far - five regular, one folding - and I think you could fit nearly as many again
All very simple, 4.5/5
#bikesky
A very easy transition at Liège and step-free access to the train. There are six of us in this carriage with bikes so far - five regular, one folding - and I think you could fit nearly as many again
All very simple, 4.5/5
#bikesky
August 26, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Bikes on trains review: Liège to Brussels Centrale with SNCB
A very easy transition at Liège and step-free access to the train. There are six of us in this carriage with bikes so far - five regular, one folding - and I think you could fit nearly as many again
All very simple, 4.5/5
#bikesky
A very easy transition at Liège and step-free access to the train. There are six of us in this carriage with bikes so far - five regular, one folding - and I think you could fit nearly as many again
All very simple, 4.5/5
#bikesky
Bikes on trains review: Aachen to Liege with SNCB
Again, a small train which does have dedicated bike space (+), but up a couple of quite big steps (-). And €4 for the bike from Aachen to Brussels.
A firmly middling experience, 3/5
#bikesky
Again, a small train which does have dedicated bike space (+), but up a couple of quite big steps (-). And €4 for the bike from Aachen to Brussels.
A firmly middling experience, 3/5
#bikesky
August 26, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Bikes on trains review: Aachen to Liege with SNCB
Again, a small train which does have dedicated bike space (+), but up a couple of quite big steps (-). And €4 for the bike from Aachen to Brussels.
A firmly middling experience, 3/5
#bikesky
Again, a small train which does have dedicated bike space (+), but up a couple of quite big steps (-). And €4 for the bike from Aachen to Brussels.
A firmly middling experience, 3/5
#bikesky
Bikes on trains review: Welkenraedt to Aachen with SNCB
Onto a smaller train to cross into Germany. Dedicated bike spaces are a plus - but there are a couple of steps to get into the carriage, which isn't too easy with a loaded up bike
3/5
#bikesky
Onto a smaller train to cross into Germany. Dedicated bike spaces are a plus - but there are a couple of steps to get into the carriage, which isn't too easy with a loaded up bike
3/5
#bikesky
August 22, 2025 at 12:25 PM
Bikes on trains review: Welkenraedt to Aachen with SNCB
Onto a smaller train to cross into Germany. Dedicated bike spaces are a plus - but there are a couple of steps to get into the carriage, which isn't too easy with a loaded up bike
3/5
#bikesky
Onto a smaller train to cross into Germany. Dedicated bike spaces are a plus - but there are a couple of steps to get into the carriage, which isn't too easy with a loaded up bike
3/5
#bikesky
Bikes on trains review: Gent to Welkenraedt with SNCB
The first leg of a cross-border journey (BE->DE), making booking a bike space slightly less easy. Loads of room for bikes though - seven spaces in this carriage and more elsewhere. Still cheap at €4/bike for the whole journey too.
4/5
#bikesky
The first leg of a cross-border journey (BE->DE), making booking a bike space slightly less easy. Loads of room for bikes though - seven spaces in this carriage and more elsewhere. Still cheap at €4/bike for the whole journey too.
4/5
#bikesky
August 22, 2025 at 10:03 AM
Bikes on trains review: Gent to Welkenraedt with SNCB
The first leg of a cross-border journey (BE->DE), making booking a bike space slightly less easy. Loads of room for bikes though - seven spaces in this carriage and more elsewhere. Still cheap at €4/bike for the whole journey too.
4/5
#bikesky
The first leg of a cross-border journey (BE->DE), making booking a bike space slightly less easy. Loads of room for bikes though - seven spaces in this carriage and more elsewhere. Still cheap at €4/bike for the whole journey too.
4/5
#bikesky
Bikes on trains review: Brussels to Gent
As we might expect, Belgium does bikes on trains well
Things to like:
✅ All handled through the SNCB app (no paper ticket!)
✅ App shows you where the bike carriage is on the train
✅ Loads of space
Where it drops marks:
❌ €4 bike supplement
4.5/5 #bikesky
As we might expect, Belgium does bikes on trains well
Things to like:
✅ All handled through the SNCB app (no paper ticket!)
✅ App shows you where the bike carriage is on the train
✅ Loads of space
Where it drops marks:
❌ €4 bike supplement
4.5/5 #bikesky
August 20, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Bikes on trains review: Brussels to Gent
As we might expect, Belgium does bikes on trains well
Things to like:
✅ All handled through the SNCB app (no paper ticket!)
✅ App shows you where the bike carriage is on the train
✅ Loads of space
Where it drops marks:
❌ €4 bike supplement
4.5/5 #bikesky
As we might expect, Belgium does bikes on trains well
Things to like:
✅ All handled through the SNCB app (no paper ticket!)
✅ App shows you where the bike carriage is on the train
✅ Loads of space
Where it drops marks:
❌ €4 bike supplement
4.5/5 #bikesky
Bikes on trains review: London to Brussels with Eurostar
A very mixed experience. Booking a bike space was a farce - even less easy than normal (and £45 for the privilege). But the on-the-day experience is very straightforwpard - hand off your bike and meet it in Brussels
2/5
#Bikesky
A very mixed experience. Booking a bike space was a farce - even less easy than normal (and £45 for the privilege). But the on-the-day experience is very straightforwpard - hand off your bike and meet it in Brussels
2/5
#Bikesky
August 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Bikes on trains review: London to Brussels with Eurostar
A very mixed experience. Booking a bike space was a farce - even less easy than normal (and £45 for the privilege). But the on-the-day experience is very straightforwpard - hand off your bike and meet it in Brussels
2/5
#Bikesky
A very mixed experience. Booking a bike space was a farce - even less easy than normal (and £45 for the privilege). But the on-the-day experience is very straightforwpard - hand off your bike and meet it in Brussels
2/5
#Bikesky
Bikes on trains review: Rugby to Euston with Avanti
Okay, there wasn't supposed to be an Avanti leg to this journey
I use them regularly though and I have to say I like their end-of-train storage. Big credit too for their staff getting us on at Rugby in a hurried mass changeover
4.5/5 #bikesky
Okay, there wasn't supposed to be an Avanti leg to this journey
I use them regularly though and I have to say I like their end-of-train storage. Big credit too for their staff getting us on at Rugby in a hurried mass changeover
4.5/5 #bikesky
July 30, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Bikes on trains review: Rugby to Euston with Avanti
Okay, there wasn't supposed to be an Avanti leg to this journey
I use them regularly though and I have to say I like their end-of-train storage. Big credit too for their staff getting us on at Rugby in a hurried mass changeover
4.5/5 #bikesky
Okay, there wasn't supposed to be an Avanti leg to this journey
I use them regularly though and I have to say I like their end-of-train storage. Big credit too for their staff getting us on at Rugby in a hurried mass changeover
4.5/5 #bikesky
Bikes on trains review: Crewe to Euston with London Northwestern
Now this is a less positive experience. Yes, there's a marked bike space on the train. But it lacks any straps to hold a bike in place
We've had one topple - now hoping I can hold things in place with my panniers
2/5 #bikesky
Now this is a less positive experience. Yes, there's a marked bike space on the train. But it lacks any straps to hold a bike in place
We've had one topple - now hoping I can hold things in place with my panniers
2/5 #bikesky
July 30, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Bikes on trains review: Crewe to Euston with London Northwestern
Now this is a less positive experience. Yes, there's a marked bike space on the train. But it lacks any straps to hold a bike in place
We've had one topple - now hoping I can hold things in place with my panniers
2/5 #bikesky
Now this is a less positive experience. Yes, there's a marked bike space on the train. But it lacks any straps to hold a bike in place
We've had one topple - now hoping I can hold things in place with my panniers
2/5 #bikesky
Bikes on trains review: Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe with Transport for Wales
Space for a couple of bikes halfway up the train, which I've been able to make a booking for. Seems I'm the only one wanting to use the space - all in all, a very straightforward experience
4/5
#bikesky
Space for a couple of bikes halfway up the train, which I've been able to make a booking for. Seems I'm the only one wanting to use the space - all in all, a very straightforward experience
4/5
#bikesky
July 30, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Bikes on trains review: Manchester Piccadilly to Crewe with Transport for Wales
Space for a couple of bikes halfway up the train, which I've been able to make a booking for. Seems I'm the only one wanting to use the space - all in all, a very straightforward experience
4/5
#bikesky
Space for a couple of bikes halfway up the train, which I've been able to make a booking for. Seems I'm the only one wanting to use the space - all in all, a very straightforward experience
4/5
#bikesky
Bike on trains review: London to Leeds with LNER
Busy, start of holidays train and the bike area is in the middle of the train = fun and games as two of us try and load bikes while everyone else tries to get their luggage on. Train staff helpful but hangers are tight for two bikes
3/5 #bikesky
Busy, start of holidays train and the bike area is in the middle of the train = fun and games as two of us try and load bikes while everyone else tries to get their luggage on. Train staff helpful but hangers are tight for two bikes
3/5 #bikesky
July 24, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Bike on trains review: London to Leeds with LNER
Busy, start of holidays train and the bike area is in the middle of the train = fun and games as two of us try and load bikes while everyone else tries to get their luggage on. Train staff helpful but hangers are tight for two bikes
3/5 #bikesky
Busy, start of holidays train and the bike area is in the middle of the train = fun and games as two of us try and load bikes while everyone else tries to get their luggage on. Train staff helpful but hangers are tight for two bikes
3/5 #bikesky
UKSA funding will increase to £469m for 2026/27 and similar amounts for subsequent years
Interesting to hear that we should be getting the decision on the 2031 Census in the summer
Interesting to hear that we should be getting the decision on the 2031 Census in the summer
June 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM
UKSA funding will increase to £469m for 2026/27 and similar amounts for subsequent years
Interesting to hear that we should be getting the decision on the 2031 Census in the summer
Interesting to hear that we should be getting the decision on the 2031 Census in the summer
There's extra funding for the UK Statistics Authority/ONS in the spending review – mostly to prepare for the next Census
The line about missions seems significant though – after UKSA in Apr said "data required to inform further mission-based policy development" might only be possible with extra ££
The line about missions seems significant though – after UKSA in Apr said "data required to inform further mission-based policy development" might only be possible with extra ££
June 11, 2025 at 2:56 PM
There's extra funding for the UK Statistics Authority/ONS in the spending review – mostly to prepare for the next Census
The line about missions seems significant though – after UKSA in Apr said "data required to inform further mission-based policy development" might only be possible with extra ££
The line about missions seems significant though – after UKSA in Apr said "data required to inform further mission-based policy development" might only be possible with extra ££
Great to be at the inaugural Land Talks
Lightning talks on land in art, Scotland's 'log cabin conundrum', building on MoD land and more
with @flourish.org
Lightning talks on land in art, Scotland's 'log cabin conundrum', building on MoD land and more
with @flourish.org
May 6, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Great to be at the inaugural Land Talks
Lightning talks on land in art, Scotland's 'log cabin conundrum', building on MoD land and more
with @flourish.org
Lightning talks on land in art, Scotland's 'log cabin conundrum', building on MoD land and more
with @flourish.org
One of the most popular explainers we have here at @instituteforgov.bsky.social is our civil service grades one - which has just received a beautiful makeover from @jackworlidge.bsky.social 💅
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
April 15, 2025 at 3:37 PM
One of the most popular explainers we have here at @instituteforgov.bsky.social is our civil service grades one - which has just received a beautiful makeover from @jackworlidge.bsky.social 💅
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/explainer/ci...
One thing I think the IfG does really well is its internship programme
We've just opened recruitment for our comms internship, starting in July - please share with anyone you think might be interested: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
We've just opened recruitment for our comms internship, starting in July - please share with anyone you think might be interested: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
January 31, 2025 at 3:11 PM
One thing I think the IfG does really well is its internship programme
We've just opened recruitment for our comms internship, starting in July - please share with anyone you think might be interested: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
We've just opened recruitment for our comms internship, starting in July - please share with anyone you think might be interested: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/about-us/car...
Reminder that we have an event on school productivity happening tomorrow at 12.30 (online/in-person)
Do join us for it: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/produc...
Do join us for it: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/produc...
January 27, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Reminder that we have an event on school productivity happening tomorrow at 12.30 (online/in-person)
Do join us for it: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/produc...
Do join us for it: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/produc...
Here at the UK Statistics Assembly for the day 🧮
~Do say hello if you're also here
~Do say hello if you're also here
January 22, 2025 at 10:21 AM
Here at the UK Statistics Assembly for the day 🧮
~Do say hello if you're also here
~Do say hello if you're also here
Somehow forgot this fun one from @tompope.bsky.social!
Tom looked at the biggest in-year increases in departmental spending since 2004/05 - with the Home Office's recent struggles to manage its asylum budget seeing it take top spot
As I say, do read the whole report for lots more great insights
Tom looked at the biggest in-year increases in departmental spending since 2004/05 - with the Home Office's recent struggles to manage its asylum budget seeing it take top spot
As I say, do read the whole report for lots more great insights
January 16, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Somehow forgot this fun one from @tompope.bsky.social!
Tom looked at the biggest in-year increases in departmental spending since 2004/05 - with the Home Office's recent struggles to manage its asylum budget seeing it take top spot
As I say, do read the whole report for lots more great insights
Tom looked at the biggest in-year increases in departmental spending since 2004/05 - with the Home Office's recent struggles to manage its asylum budget seeing it take top spot
As I say, do read the whole report for lots more great insights
On consultancy costs, Labour has promised to halve spending – though with a lack of clarity over what baseline they’re using
This pair of charts from @teodorgrama.bsky.social sets out the trends in consultancy and temporary labour spend – including the startling increase in HO consultancy spend
This pair of charts from @teodorgrama.bsky.social sets out the trends in consultancy and temporary labour spend – including the startling increase in HO consultancy spend
January 16, 2025 at 10:07 AM
On consultancy costs, Labour has promised to halve spending – though with a lack of clarity over what baseline they’re using
This pair of charts from @teodorgrama.bsky.social sets out the trends in consultancy and temporary labour spend – including the startling increase in HO consultancy spend
This pair of charts from @teodorgrama.bsky.social sets out the trends in consultancy and temporary labour spend – including the startling increase in HO consultancy spend
Also on pay, this chart from @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social puts numbers to recent grievances from special advisers over their pay
The mid-point of all pay bands – but particularly the lowest – has dropped markedly in real terms since 2010
The mid-point of all pay bands – but particularly the lowest – has dropped markedly in real terms since 2010
January 16, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Also on pay, this chart from @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social puts numbers to recent grievances from special advisers over their pay
The mid-point of all pay bands – but particularly the lowest – has dropped markedly in real terms since 2010
The mid-point of all pay bands – but particularly the lowest – has dropped markedly in real terms since 2010
Pay is also always a major theme of WM. This chart from @jordanurban.bsky.social shows the notable uptick in real-terms pay in 2024
In all grades, though, median civil service pay is still considerably below 2010 levels – something that we think has driven grade inflation
In all grades, though, median civil service pay is still considerably below 2010 levels – something that we think has driven grade inflation
January 16, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Pay is also always a major theme of WM. This chart from @jordanurban.bsky.social shows the notable uptick in real-terms pay in 2024
In all grades, though, median civil service pay is still considerably below 2010 levels – something that we think has driven grade inflation
In all grades, though, median civil service pay is still considerably below 2010 levels – something that we think has driven grade inflation
On staffing more widely, we have data on arm’s-length body staff numbers for the first time in several years
This chart from @shivanichivukula.bsky.social shows what the drivers behind increasing ALB staff numbers are
This chart from @shivanichivukula.bsky.social shows what the drivers behind increasing ALB staff numbers are
January 16, 2025 at 10:07 AM
On staffing more widely, we have data on arm’s-length body staff numbers for the first time in several years
This chart from @shivanichivukula.bsky.social shows what the drivers behind increasing ALB staff numbers are
This chart from @shivanichivukula.bsky.social shows what the drivers behind increasing ALB staff numbers are