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Matthew Gill

@drmatthewgill.bsky.social
282 followers 78 following 145 posts
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
@instituteforgovernment.org.uk has a really stellar line-up to debate the relationship between ministers and public bodies at Conservative conference next week. If you're in Birmingham and interested in how arms-length government works, you shouldn't miss this. Hope to see you there!
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
1/5 The ombuds landscape needs an overhaul. @howesdaniel.bsky.social and I gave evidence to the Ethics and Integrity Commission, which is now published here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/eic-....
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The Ethics and Integrity Commission is right to review the ombuds landscape | Institute for Government
In April, the IfG gave evidence to the Ethics and Integrity Commission’s first review.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
1/11 Andy Burnham wants “good growth in every postcode”. There's a lot to unpack! This short insight paper for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk looks at what Burnham must do to define and deliver “good growth” at all levels of government: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
‘Good growth in every postcode’ | Institute for Government
How Andy Burnham can show that he has delivered against his pledge at the next election.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 28/08/2026
NEW | ‘Good growth in every postcode’: What could Andy Burnham’s pledge mean in practice? @drmatthewgill.bsky.social explores how the PM can show that he has delivered against his pledge at the next election www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
‘Good growth in every postcode’ | Institute for Government
How Andy Burnham can show that he has delivered against his pledge at the next election.
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Major machinery of govt changes including - finally! - the creation of an Office for the Prime Minister and Cabinet Long overdue and excellent news that the Burnham govt has grasped this nettle questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-stat...
questions-statements.parliament.uk
Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
Information from UK Parliament on written questions & answers, written statements and daily reports.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 14/07/2026
EVENT | Regulation in a changing world: How to meet the needs of the future? 📅Wednesday 15 July 2026, 13:45-17:25 A half-day conference bringing together experts from across government, industry and civil society to discuss the future of regulation in the UK. The conference will include...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 08/07/2026
There's just a week to go until our half-day conference, Regulation in a changing world: How to meet the needs of the future? Watch as @drmatthewgill.bsky.social reveals more about the day and our speakers. Interested in joining us on Weds 15 July? Check out the links below
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 06/07/2026
1/8 Do join us at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk for our half day conference – “Regulation in a changing world: How to meet the needs of the future?” – on the afternoon of Wednesday 15th July.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
This is well worth a look if you're interested in the foundations of public body independence, particularly for scientific bodies providing specialist evidence and expertise. The resource builds on extensive UCL research from last year, also referenced in the thread.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
My latest short piece for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk is part of our series marking 10 years since the Brexit vote. I focus on regulation, but colleagues have written on the economy, civil service, foreign policy, law, policymaking, devolution, parliament and politics itself. Well worth a browse!
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
1/8 It's good to see the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) receiving the attention it deserves. This explainer from @howesdaniel.bsky.social @instituteforgovernment.org.uk explains its role ⬇️. But John Fingleton's recent review of ONR raised regulatory issues that go beyond the sector. A thread...
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
1/3 The government’s reasons for scrapping plans for an Audit and Reporting Governance Authority (ARGA) appear specious. This is a bad example of how to achieve growth by cutting red tape, as I argue in my latest comment for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk...
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
1/8 Well worth reading this piece from David Willetts out today: www.kcl.ac.uk/news/lord-wi.... It raises many important questions as well as showcasing RIO’s work. A thread:
kcl.ac.uk
Lord Willetts sets out vision for pro-innovation regulation to boost UK growth | King's College London
The chair of the Regulatory Innovation Office reflects on what works in regulating emerging technologies
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Polly Mackenzie @pollymackenzie.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
"Every time I pull a lever" says the Prime Minister. This dead metaphor is killing his ability to get things done. There aren't any levers. There's only leadership. howtorunacountry.substack.com/p/there-aren...
howtorunacountry.substack.com
There aren't any levers
A dead metaphor is killing the government's ability to get things done
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
There's often pressure to set up a public inquiry, but they're expensive and rarely a panacea. Lots of insight in this report on how we can use them better!
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Daniel Howes @howesdaniel.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
The updated Governance Code for Public Appointments is a major step forward - good to see many previous IfG recommendations taken on board. There is more to do, however, as shown by recent antics at DCMS. My and @drmatthewgill.bsky.social 's thoughts below👇
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
A case study well worth noting, with a recurrent theme that policy targeting is crude - due to: political incentives; easy levers not aligning with need; markets requiring careful stewardship; central decision-making being in tension with local sensitivity. Reads across to many other policy fields!
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Nick Davies @njdavies.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
NEW REPORT: abolishing NHS England could help simplify accountability, improve prioritisation and create savings. But the change could also lead to increases in policy incoherence and blame culture, as well as the loss of skills, capacity and focus on areas outside the day-to-day NHS.
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Abolished to perfection? Building a better centre for the NHS | Institute for Government
The abolition of NHS England creates both risks and opportunities.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
The highlights of my latest thinking on regulation and growth are now here for you in @civilserviceworld.bsky.social: www.civilserviceworld.com/news/article... (and if that whets your appetite, more detail here: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/... for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk).
civilserviceworld.com
Regulation and growth: Will the government’s strategy deliver?
The government is taking steps to align regulation with its growth agenda – what has it got right, and what is missing?
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Gemma Tetlow @gemmatetlow.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Hot on the heels of yesterday's Covid inquiry report on decision making, @shaina-sangha.bsky.social and I have a new report out today looking at how combined epidemiological-economic modelling could help government better prepare for future pandemics www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Combined epidemiological and economic modelling | Institute for Government
The pandemic showed the need for government to improve its use of modelling.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
1/5 In this paper for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, I evaluate the government’s efforts to make regulation and regulators more supportive of growth: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Regulation and growth | Institute for Government
What is in the government's new action plan?
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
1/4 Lisa Nandy may have explained her mistake, but questions remain about the appointment process for Chair of the Independent Football Regulator, mainly for DCMS. Pages 11-12 of the Commissioner's decision notice are worth reading: publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/u...
publicappointmentscommissioner.independent.gov.uk
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 23/10/2025
This is an important step, but there are still signs of undue caution. More could be done to put civil servants' engagement with those outside on a clearer footing. The comment from @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @drhannahwhite.bsky.social has more!
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
Important new research from UCL (@chrischirp.bsky.social @martinmckee.bsky.social). It explores both how greater politicisation of scientific agencies might come about and why it matters. Comparative international research forcefully illustrates the stakes involved. This is well worth your time.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
1/ My latest for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk is on the proposed “democratic lock” over the Sentencing Council. I argue that David Lammy, as new justice secretary, should overturn his predecessor's decision that all guidelines the Council issues should be subject to ministerial approval.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
@danhaile.bsky.social and I have now looked at the Independent Water Commission's final report for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Lots of creative ideas to improve regulation in the water sector - but transition to the new regime will be tricky... www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/article/comm....
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Water reform: From Ofwat to what? | Institute for Government
The Independent Water Commission’s final report sets out a creative blueprint for reform – but will it work?
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
1/ The government’s response to the open letter co-ordinated by @instituteforgovernment.org.uk (@drhannahwhite.bsky.social @alexgathomas.bsky.social) on civil servants speaking in public is not only disappointing, but also surprising...
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 26/06/2025
1/ This is an important comment on civil servant's public voice from @drhannahwhite.bsky.social and @alexgathomas.bsky.social at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. And it could have particular implications for public bodies and regulators. A short thread...
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Good to see this new NAO report published this morning: www.nao.org.uk/reports/acco.... Burdens of accountability are proportionately higher for smaller government bodies, but it is also harder for them to get the support they need in government to meet them. Some good ideas here to rectify that.
nao.org.uk
Accountability in small government bodies - NAO report
Government can release resources and improve accountability by tailoring governance and audit requirements for small public bodies.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
1/ It’s Industrial Strategy day: www.gov.uk/government/p.... In general, you should follow @gilesyb.bsky.social for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk takes on this, but this thread contains some thoughts on the regulation aspects...
gov.uk
Industrial Strategy
Strategy document setting out a new economic approach to backing the UK’s strengths, with ambitious plans for 8 high-growth sectors.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 21/06/2025
The government’s current focus on regulatory reform is welcome, but I argue for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk that it has an opportunity to think more systematically – and ambitiously – if it can organise itself in a way that makes that possible: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/regu...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Regulatory reform: systemic thinking, not tinkering | Institute for Government
The government’s aspirations to streamline regulation cannot be achieved piecemeal.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
The Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB) has reviewed its supported bodies landscape (I provided some comparative input from the UK system). Sensible recommendations published today to ensure accountability and minimise the proliferation of new bodies: bprcdn.parliament.scot/published/SS....
bprcdn.parliament.scot
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 19/06/2025
New research - and guidance - from colleagues at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk on the important subject of ministers' roles during crises...
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
1/ PACAC is holding an inquiry on public bodies. It was an honour to appear as their first public witness for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk last month. It was a wide ranging hearing, and the recording and transcript are here: committees.parliament.uk/event/24075/.... A thread of clips…
committees.parliament.uk
7 May 2025 - Public Bodies - Oral evidence - Committees - UK Parliament
09:30 - Room 15, Palace of Westminster
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
The spending review has committed to more "closures, mergers and consolidations" of public bodies, when the outcome of its review is announced. But no timeline was published - which is good, because acting in haste could be a mistake...
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 08/06/2025
Lots to welcome in last week's review of the water sector, where a positive narrative focused on long term investment is needed. @danhaile.bsky.social is leading @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's comparative work on investment in energy and water utilities, so do follow him for more on this!
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Shivani Chivukula @shivanichivukula.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
Some welcome urgency from government on getting water infrastructure built as quickly as possible - which is crucial in the context of an increasing demand shortfall, as I explored in a blog for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk last month www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/inde...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
The Independent Water Commission has a chance to create meaningful change | Institute for Government
Labour set out clear ambitions for infrastructure before the election including on housing and energy. But plans for the water sector were less clear.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 23/05/2025
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...
A job advert from the IfG for a Senior Partnerships Officer.

Salary: £35,000-£39,000

Deadline: Sunday 8 June, 23:00
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 10/04/2025
Monday's announcement puts government at risk of cutting quango numbers for its own sake. But efficiency, accountability, and freeing up ministers to focus on the big picture are what really matter, and there are better ways to achieve these things. My latest for @instituteforgov.bsky.social:
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Alex Thomas @alexgathomas.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
A new piece from @drmatthewgill.bsky.social and me Ministers are getting into gear & rightly want to reform the state. But their initiatives still seem ad hoc, a reaction to the frustrations of governing. It’s time for a coherent & compelling plan www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/whit...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
‘Whitehall reform’ needs a more coherent plan to succeed | Institute for Government
Piecemeal interventions do not add up to coherent view of how the modern state should work.
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 01/04/2025
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...
A job advert for research internships 2025-26 at the IfG.

Six one-year, full-time internships starting in September 2025.

Salary: £30,000

Deadline: Tuesday 2 April, 11:00
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 25/03/2025
Some more detailed thoughts on the regulatory action plan published last week...
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Nick Davies @njdavies.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Jones is right that financial and performance reporting is currently a bureaucratic mess. The plans to streamline the process are welcome and will enable better decision making. But whether that leads to better public service performance v. much depends on ministers then making the right decisions
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
1/ Today’s policy paper from HMT on regulation and growth is welcome: www.gov.uk/government/n.... In the main, it grips the need to prioritise growth in an energetic but proportionate way. Nonetheless, implementation of some proposals will be difficult and there are some pitfalls to avoid.
gov.uk
Radical action plan to cut red tape and kickstart growth
The Chancellor will meet top regulator bosses in Downing Street today (Monday 17 March) as she unveils an action plan to deliver on the pledge to cut the administrative cost of regulation on business ...
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Institute for Government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk · 13/03/2025
Keir Starmer has announced that the government will be abolishing NHS England. Read our report by @drmatthewgill.bsky.social on how to successfully abolish a public body and the lessons from previous restructures www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
How to abolish a public body | Institute for Government
How the government can make future abolitions succeed.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Can AI transform civil service productivity? How would you cut the administrative costs of regulation by 25%? And what would that mean for arachnids in Ebbsfleet? Join us to discuss these - and other themes from Keir Starmer's speech - at lunchtime today!
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Cassia Rowland @cassiarowland.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
NEW REPORT: almost all prisons have seen skyrocketing rates of violence, protest and self-harm in recent years, but more work & education and more open prisons could turn this around and improve outcomes. 🧵 www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Inside England and Wales's prisons crisis | Institute for Government
What is driving the differing performance of prisons around the country?
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
The Cabinet Office have just published a wealth of data on public bodies, which you can download wholesale or cut and visualise in a variety of ways: gov.uk/government/p.... A short thread...
gov.uk
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
The UK establishes some public bodies every year. But how can we do it better? A new @instituteforgov.bsky.social report dives into some case studies to find out: www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/... (1/13)
instituteforgovernment.org.uk
How to set up a public body | Institute for Government
Ten lessons on getting new bodies up and running.
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Matthew Gill @drmatthewgill.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
It's good to be here on Bluesky. A post on new research to follow - please bear with any glitches as I learn how to use it!
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