Curiosity, problem-solving and misconceptions: Policy profession co-heads Susan Acland-Hood and Gareth Davies set out their vision
12 Jan Policy

Curiosity, problem-solving and misconceptions: Policy profession co-heads Susan Acland-Hood and Gareth Davies set out their vision

Susan Acland-Hood and Gareth Davies have been hard at work since being named co-heads of the policy profession last summer. They talk about their plans to develop the profession, embracing generalism, and why it’s important to ask the right questions
by Beckie Smith
Capita hit with penalties over Civil Service Pension Scheme woes
10 Feb Policy
Capita hit with penalties over Civil Service Pension Scheme woes
The rise of rapid policymaking demands a shift in capability, culture and leadership
10 Feb Policy
The rise of rapid policymaking demands a shift in capability, culture and leadership
Good financial management is key to delivery – NAO boss
10 Feb Policy
Good financial management is key to delivery – NAO boss
Autumn Statement: Unprotected departments face real-terms cuts of 3.4%, IFS warns
23 Nov 2023 Policy
Autumn Statement: Unprotected departments face real-terms cuts of 3.4%, IFS warns
Think-tank says shrinking capital spending will be problematic for public-sector productivity drive
Whitty: No.10 should have consulted scientists on Eat Out To Help Out
22 Nov 2023 Policy
Whitty: No.10 should have consulted scientists on Eat Out To Help Out
Chief medical officer says he "firmly" told Downing Street it should have informed him and Patrick Vallance about the Covid policy
Loss of government statisticians ‘is a worry’, MPs told
10 Nov 2023 Policy
Loss of government statisticians ‘is a worry’, MPs told
Departments may struggle to retain key officials amid demand for skills, experts warn
How expanding the UK’s behavioural research capacity will benefit policymaking
09 Nov 2023 Policy
How expanding the UK’s behavioural research capacity will benefit policymaking
Behavioural research is fragmented in the UK, but a leadership hub hopes to change this
Johnson and Sunak ‘blindsided’ Covid Taskforce with Eat Out to Help Out scheme
08 Nov 2023 Policy
Johnson and Sunak ‘blindsided’ Covid Taskforce with Eat Out to Help Out scheme
Officials at the heart of government’s pandemic response were kept in the dark about bid to boost footfall at restaurants and cafés, inquiry hears
DLUHC clashes with local council over four-day working week trial
06 Nov 2023 Policy
DLUHC clashes with local council over four-day working week trial
South Cambridgeshire District Council issued with Best Value Notice signalling ministers' concern over reduced-hours pilot
MacNamara: Whitehall processes 'bent out of shape' by Brexit work ahead of pandemic
02 Nov 2023 Policy
MacNamara: Whitehall processes 'bent out of shape' by Brexit work ahead of pandemic
Former official says Brexit preparations led to the centre holding too much power, with departments "disempowered"
Lee Cain: Comms professionals 'were shaping Covid policy because no one else was'
31 Oct 2023 Policy
Lee Cain: Comms professionals 'were shaping Covid policy because no one else was'
Former No.10 comms director tells inquiry the Covid pandemic was the "wrong crisis" for Boris Johnson’s "skill set"
Johnson 'weak', cab sec's 'scapegoat' fears, more leaving drinks: Covid Inquiry evidence shows turmoil behind the scenes
31 Oct 2023 Policy
Johnson 'weak', cab sec's 'scapegoat' fears, more leaving drinks: Covid Inquiry evidence shows turmoil behind the scenes
Patrick Vallance says advisers tried to "strong arm" him into post-Cummings scandal press briefing and Simon Case says he is "pissed off" over Partygate event
Lunch with... psychologist and 'nudge' guru David Halpern
25 Oct 2023 Policy
Lunch with... psychologist and 'nudge' guru David Halpern
Jess Bowie meets the founding director of the Behavioural Insights Team
'Warring Whitehall fiefdoms' and 'snootiness': Report uncovers barriers to fixing regional inequality
24 Oct 2023 Policy
'Warring Whitehall fiefdoms' and 'snootiness': Report uncovers barriers to fixing regional inequality
Nearly 100 former top officials and politicians weigh in on why driving regional growth has proved so difficult
Whitehall ‘in reverse’ over devolution, ex-perm sec warns
23 Oct 2023 Policy
Whitehall ‘in reverse’ over devolution, ex-perm sec warns
Government’s capacity to manage devolution has diminished, with relations with devolved nations at a low ebb, MPs told