iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 8h

Whoever takes up that new post will have a vital role to play in the Prime Minister’s laudable ambition to create a more streamlined state with a clearer purpose. One to watch… www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/in-...

futuregovernanceforum.co.uk

In Power 01: Transforming Downing Street

In Power 01: Transforming Downing Street is the culmination of an in-depth investigation by FGF into the centre of government.

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 8h

Andy Burnham announced the creation of OPMC in his first week in the job. But new structures are only the first step; it’s the people within them, and the culture they create, that determine whether we see real change in the way govt operates. Hence today’s announcement is a v good thing.

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 8h

Intriguing new job advertised on Gov.UK today: Permanent Secretary of the Office for the PM and Cabinet. Another sign of the PM’s determination to rewire the centre of govt and something FGF proposed in our Transforming Downing Street report www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/jobs.cgi...

civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk

Quick Check Needed

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

This is something Lord Vallance has talked about as the "procurement pull" - getting small firms who have benefited from public R&D £ to then win govt contracts as they grow. We covered this in our 'Spurring Innovation' report last year www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/reb...

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

If the UK is, broadly speaking, great at discovery but terrible at adoption, what role can the public sector play in changing that? Can the NHS become the world's "first customer"?

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

How can we enable innovation? Suggestion that the biggest determinant is not a reductive public vs private sector divide, but the risk appetite of senior leadership, the cover that provides and how that diffuses throughout an organisation

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Full @growthandreform.bsky.social conference paper for today's summit available here: growthandreform.org/resource-hub...

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

We're already seeing positive changes on these: Burnham's rewiring the state agenda is all about giving regions the powers they need to set their own ambitions and enable local innovation; the British Business Bank (a massive player in UK VC) moving more £ towards the growth stage

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Big focus so far on the UK's strengths - our research and academic excellence, the people who live here and move here to start their own businesses - but also where we're losing out: by being overly centralised, and by struggling at the "scale and stay" stage of company growth

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

It's a summit initiated by Gordon Brown and convened by @growthandreform.bsky.social - a joint partnership between @futuregovforum.bsky.social and Metro Dynamics - and the teams have done an incredible job of pulling it all together

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Fantastic line up of speakers (and absolutely packed out room) for today's Innovation Nation summit here in - where else? - Manchester. Just heard from both Gordon Brown and Andy Burnham on their visions for how we make the UK the world's leading innovation nation once more

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Ultimately, devolution shouldn't be judged on whether it produces a perfect system (no such system exists). It should be judged on whether it enables us to meet the challenges of our time - and the right accountability structures are essential for that. futuregovforum.substack.com/p/robust-acc...

futuregovforum.substack.com

Robust accountability is key to successful devolution

By FGF Executive Director Adam Terry — originally published in The MJ

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

We need an independent, evidence-based & *accessible* way of assessing how local leaders are performing. We need regional Public Accounts Committees, with input from communities and citizens. And we need transparency over procurement and contracting so taxpayers and journalists can follow the money.

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

Devolution-sceptics might overplay that argument (central government is hardly a shining example of success) but they have a point, and those of us who agree with the Prime Minister's diagnosis and prescription need a good answer to the challenge.

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

But that power shift needs to be accompanied by an accountability shift - how are mayors and local leaders going to be held responsible for the choices they make and whether they deliver on their promises?

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

The government's 'Rewiring the State' agenda sets a welcome - and hugely ambitious - direction for pushing power out of Whitehall and Westminster, and into the rest of the country. [THREAD] www.gov.uk/government/p...

gov.uk

Rewiring the State – Cabinet Statement (HTML)

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The Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

The PM's devolution agenda has mostly been met with praise. But some Westminster sceptics worry about whether there will be adequate scrutiny. Getting this process right is key to national renewal. @adamterryfgf.bsky.social's latest article explores how we can embed robust accountability in devo.

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The Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

The Derbyshire Times says: ‘John Healey's Autumn Budget should give Claire Ward Mayor of East Midlands and mayors across the UK, new powers to deliver housing, health and school infrastructure projects according to a new report by The Future Governance Forum www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/your-world/c...

derbyshiretimes.co.uk

Chancellor urged to give new powers to Claire Ward to fund public infrastructure

FGF is recommending 'Mayoral Infrastructure Investment Partnerships', a new model of progressive public-private partnership that Mayors can use to build the infrastructure they need in their regions.

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

We're hiring! @futuregovforum.bsky.social is seeking a new Head of Advocacy & Engagement. We're looking for someone to build networks, spot + secure new opportunities, + advocate for our work to maximise its impact. If that sounds like you, please apply: www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/vacancies/

futuregovernanceforum.co.uk

Jobs at Future Governance Forum

Explore our current job opportunities

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

It's a great report by my colleagues @brunodent.bsky.social and Dillon Lancaster alongside brilliant FGF research associate Matt Bevington and offers a practical proposal for the Chancellor to get Britain building - and bring back hope - again. www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/pro...

futuregovernanceforum.co.uk

Progressive Markets 02 - Future Governance Forum

John Healey’s Autumn Budget should give Mayors new powers and funding to deliver housing, health and school infrastructure projects according to a new report by The Future Governance Forum (FGF), in p...

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Our new report, out today in partnership with Trowers & Hamlins, looks at how the debate has moved on in the last 2 yrs and, in keeping with the PM's desire to push power out of the centre, recommends giving Mayors the ability to deploy these new partnerships for infrastructure in their areas.

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Today @futuregovforum.bsky.social is updating our call for a new model of 'Infrastructure Investment Partnerships' that learns from social democratic governments in Wales and Australia to build new infrastructure while making sure the benefits are felt by local communities.

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Critical to that is investing in our ailing infrastructure. While Rachel Reeves allowed for an additonal £120bn of capital spending, even that won't be enough to fix our public realm, let alone start building the infrastructure we need for the future. We're going to need private investment too.

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

After the poetry, the prose. As we tip over into the month of John Healey's first Budget, thoughts are rightly going to start turning to what the government is going to need to do it if it is genuinely to unlock 'good growth in every postcode'.

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The Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

'BRITAIN could unlock billions of pounds to boost growth if 'underfunded entrepreneurs' are rewarded, a new report reveals' 'female-only businesses received a paltry 2 per cent of venture capital back in 2024, research from HSBC and Future Governance Forum says' www.thesun.co.uk/money/404528...

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The Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Great to see this Fintech Finance News story which says: 'HSBC UK and the Future Governance Forum (FGF) have released a report outlining the persistent equity gap facing underinvested founders in Britain' ffnews.com/news/hsbc-ca...

ffnews.com

FF News - The Fintech News Network

FF News is the fintech news network covering payments, insurtech, tradetech and capital markets.

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The Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Great to see @brunodent.bsky.social's article on the future of Great British Railways published in @civilserviceworld.bsky.social's print magazine 👏 With the new chair of GBR being announced soon, here are three priorities they should focus on to set this new state insititution up for sucess 👇

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British Future @britishfuture.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

'Can Labour get immigration right?' Join us at Labour Party Conference to discuss, on Tues 29th (10am, ACC) with @oliviabailey.bsky.social @emilyagraham.bsky.social @sundersays.bsky.social Kate Devlin, Whitehall Ed, Independent; + others TBC More details: www.britishfuture.org/event/britis...

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Tom and I co-authored one of the earliest FGF reports, on what the UK could learn from the US and Australia when it comes to transitioning into power, and I'm thrilled that he's now a colleague and a great addition to the FGF team. www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/int...

futuregovernanceforum.co.uk

Into Power 01: Lessons from Australia and the United States - Future Governance Forum

What can UK opposition parties learn from the Biden and Albanese transitions to government?

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Delighted to have the brilliant @tomcollinge.bsky.social join as our new Head of Policy & Research at @futuregovforum.bsky.social. Tom brings a wealth of experience about progressive politics, power and the importance of good government for social, economic and political outcomes

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Sarah Owen MP @sarahowen.org.uk · 22/09/2026

Today, the government has announced it is bringing in statutory bereavement leave for pre-24 week pregnancy loss from next April. This will make a huge difference to women and their partners who experience the pain of losing a pregnancy - and finally recognise it as the bereavement that it is.

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The Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

A new FGF report calls on the government to use the #Budget to give more support for female, disabled and ethnic minority #entrepreneurs and founders without inherited wealth or established networks, to help deliver 'good growth in every postcode' 🔽 www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/pro...

futuregovernanceforum.co.uk

Progressive Markets 01 - Future Governance Forum

The government must use the Budget to provide more support for female, disabled and ethnic minority entrepreneurs and founders without inherited wealth or established networks, who could help deliver ...

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

A lot to pack in to a short space of time, but some really interesting discussions and food for thought, especially for those of us looking to transform the British state so it's fit for purpose for the challenges of the mid-21st century - essential if we are to renew the nation. [13/13] ENDS

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

My colleague @emilyagraham.bsky.social argued for reform of the Convention to renew it for the current age – an argument she and Beth Gardiner-Smith made forcefully in our 2025 essay collection ‘The Future of Asylum: A vision for renewal’: www.futuregovernanceforum.co.uk/resource/the... [12/13]

futuregovernanceforum.co.uk

The Future of Asylum - A vision for renewal - Future Governance Forum

A vision for renewal considers how the government can reform and renew the asylum system.

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We were delighted to be joined by Lib Dem Home Affairs spokesperson @maxwilkinson.bsky.social, as well as UNHCR representative to the UK Vicky Tennant and International Rescue Committee policy manager @angelaafzal.bsky.social. [11/13]

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

And last but not least @futuregovforum.bsky.social hosted a fascinating discussion on the Refugee Convention 75 years on, and what the future holds for asylum policy in a world where the rules and mutual obligations embodied in that Convention are coming under increasing strain. [10/13]

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Lib Dem Cabinet Office spokesperson @lisasmartmp.bsky.social argued back for the party’s door-by-door, seat-by-seat strategy to winning elections – all expertly chaired by @pollycurtis.bsky.social [9/13]

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Where the party was once squarely in the middle of the traditional Left/Right axis in British politics, he argued it’s now at the extreme end of the new social conservative/social liberal axis that has dominated since Brexit – a space that the Greens are increasingly seeking to occupy. [8/13]

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Yesterday evening I was in the (enormous!) crowd for a brilliant @demos-uk.bsky.social session with Professor Sir John Curtice delivering some home truths as to whether the Lib Dems are at risk of being the ‘left behind’ party. [7/13]

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We heard about arrangements between Lib Dems w/ Labour, Greens, Conservatives and independent residents’ associations - from town halls all the way up to Whitehall and that famous Cameron/Clegg Rose Garden speech. All while edging around the forbidden ‘C’ word for the Lib Dems: ‘Coalition’… [6/13]

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

We at @futuregovforum.bsky.social talked collaboration and competition between progressive parties in an era of multiparty politics - with @zoefranklinld.bsky.social, @vmmchamberlain.bsky.social, @pollymackenzie.bsky.social, Jane Carr & Bridget Smith, leader of @libdemlocalgov.bsky.social [5/13]

Event information for FGF fringe event:

No overall control? Cooperation and competition between progressives in the era of multiparty politics

Sunday 20 September, 13.45-14.45, Consort Room, Grand Hotel

Speakers:
Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of the LGA Liberal Democract Group
Cllr Victor Chamberlain, Deputy Leader of Southwark Council
Zoe Franklin MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Local Government
Cllr Jane Carr, Leader of Milton Keynes Council
Polly Mackenzie, CEO and co-founder of Zinc Innovation Partners, and FGF Board member

Jointly organised by The Future Governance Forum and the Local Government Association Liberal Democrat group

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

But it’s important to design it well. As Baroness Pinnock poetically put it, quoting T S Eliot: "The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason." [4/13]

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

When you consider that £1 in every £3 the government spends is via procurement (almost £400bn), that’s an extraordinary lever that can be used to shape markets, boost local economies and influence behaviour. [3/13]

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

I spoke on a TYI Strategy panel with @martinwrigley.bsky.social, Ben Jones of Pagabo, Cllr Jane Carr (leader of Milton Keynes City Council), and Baroness Pinnock, looking at how government at all levels can better embed social value into procurement. [2/13]

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Adam Terry @adamterryfgf.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Just back from a whirlwind 24 hours in Brighton for the Lib Dems’ annual conference. Lovely weather by the sea and a series of really interesting events THREAD [1/13]

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The Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

How governments can uphold their global commitments & restore trust in asylum was debated at tonight's event with @EmilyaGraham.bsky.social, @maxwilkinson.bsky.social, Vicky Tennant (Representative to United Kingdom UNHCR), @angelaafzal.bsky.social (IRC Policy Manager) & @adamterryfgf.bsky.social

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The Future Governance Forum (FGF) @futuregovforum.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

FGF Executive Director @adamterryfgf.bsky.social speaking at the ‘Social Value in Action: Supporting Liberal Democrats to Deliver for Local Communities’ fringe meeting this afternoon, about the importance of long-term planning to deliver social value from procurement

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