What can think tanks learn from the IfG’s Ministers Database?
The Institute for Government is launching its Ministers Database, which holds information about all government ministers since 1979 – who served as a minister, in which roles, and for how long. We hope that making this publicly available will allow a range of researchers to benefit from this unrivalled source of information in their work....
Why do we ignore the evidence when it comes to think tank communications?
In an industry that champions evidence-led responses, think tank communications strategies are rarely guided by insight. Instead, communications is too often led by outputs. Pre-agreed commitments to the funder to create “communications products” (a phrase that makes my heart sink) no matter what the research finds or what current events are shaping the world. This...
How think tanks can boost diversity and inclusion by working together
As a sector that seeks to represent the views and interests of society when examining public policy, think tanks should expect to be representative of, or at least listening to, the whole of society. But as previous work from Smart Thinking, the Social Mobility Commission and others has shown, the policy sector and think tanks...
How can we create a fit-for-purpose labour market?
Government must do more to tackle insecure work in the UK By Rebecca Florisson (The Work Foundation) The recent Queen’s speech indicated that the much-anticipated Employment Bill has again been delayed. This Bill could have played an important role in addressing severely insecure work. Proposals to improve job quality and security as set out in...
How to…design a report
A good designer does not just design and typeset a report to be aesthetically pleasing, they use their expertise to ensure there is nothing, within their control at least, that prevents its message from being effectively processed by its audience. In our work as graphic designers at Rubber Duckiee there are several common issues we...
How to…create partnerships and raise funds
How think tanks raise funds and how much they reveal about their financial sources have been the subject of much discussion. The recent survey by Smart Thinking showed a broadly even split between those who think all donations should be declared; those who believe it should only be for any donations over £500 and those...
As education recovers from the pandemic what should be the focus?
Universities must find ways to cultivate a sense of belonging amongst students By Alexis Brown (HEPI) It’s no secret that students have had a rough time of it during the pandemic. Those who weren’t in university yet missed out on the standardised tests and schooling that would normally prepare them for higher education, and those...
What would be the one thing you would include in the Spring Budget?
Ahead of the Spring Budget we asked a range of think tanks what would be the one thing they would focus on and include. Don't overcomplicate the cost of living response, just give people cash By Dr Aveek Bhattacharya (Social Market Foundation) In January, with inflation growing and the energy price cap set to rise,...
What is important when thinking about digital government services?
Digital government services must be made truly accessible to reduce inequalities By Josh Abel (Fabian Society) The pandemic has brought the digital divide to the forefront of public policy debate. During lockdown, far too many children were unable to learn from home because they could not access the internet and millions of households faced social isolation because they were...
How can cities policy help the net zero agenda?
As COP26 comes to a close what are some of the changes we can make in cities that can help with the net zero agenda? A greater uptake of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) is required By Rebecca Foster (Bright Blue) The UK’s pledge to reach net zero by 2050 will ultimately require significant changes to the way...