This year provides a rare moment for the United Kingdom - a potential change of national administration could trigger a radical shift in the way government is structured and delivered. The challenges facing the country have rarely been greater and more complex, and the prevailing model of government as it is currently constructed is not up to the task of tackling them.

This report explores mission-driven government as an alternative theory and practice of statecraft to meet the scale of today’s challenges, applied specifically to the context of a possible progressive UK government. In doing this, the paper connects the strategic intent of a missions approach with the practical challenges of UK governance.

The overriding philosophy running through this report is leading with purpose, governing in partnership. In short, this means recognising the critical and legitimate role the UK government has in providing a strong direction for society and the economy, while at the same time having the humility to know that it cannot deliver missions alone. As a result, mission-driven government would invest in the strategies needed to work collaboratively in broad coalitions across and beyond the state.

The report is divided into six chapters. Each explores a core principle for mission-driven government, the reality of today’s UK political context and, the strategies an incoming progressive government should consider.