This paper makes the case for narrative as a governing tool. It argues that a growing consensus over public service reform that is preventative and more relational is stalling for want of a story. The paper examines why reform stalls, then makes the case for putting respect at the heart of public service design and...

This report examines the hidden infrastructure of the United Kingdom democracy: members of parliament offices. It exposes how outdated systems, weak management support and fragmented technology undermine the day-to-day work of representing constituents. The report argues that modest, practical reforms – in leadership, onboarding, skills and digital tools – could significantly improve effectiveness, wellbeing and...

This essay argues that modern democracies are caught in a 'digital-democratic doom loop' in which declining trust in the state is increasingly misdirected at democratic institutions. It seeks to deepen understanding of how social media is contributing to the erosion of faith in democracy and points towards practical ways to safeguard a democratic future.

This paper presents opportunities to upgrade democracy through setting out a practical route to detoxify one of the most polarised policy issues – immigration. The paper calls for the United Kingdom Government to commission a national deliberative process – a citizens’ assembly – on earned settlement, and to pilot place-based deliberative processes on integration and...

This paper explores how mobilising social impact investment can act as a powerful catalyst for relational public service reform. It argues that impact capital is not just a funding tool, but a lever to shift Whitehall culture towards collaboration, prevention and shared ownership of social challenges. The paper identifies four key enablers for success.