Report
WhatsApp in government: how ministers and officials should use messaging apps – and how they shouldn’t
This report looks at the increasing use of WhatsApp and other messaging apps in government, and their associated risks and benefits. These apps are useful but need to be used carefully to ensure the downsides – including a lack of transparency, poor communication and poor...
Report
A new statutory role for the civil service
The civil service is central to government in the United Kingdom. But it lacks a clear identity, defined responsibilities and a system of oversight and accountability. This report proposes a new statutory role for the civil service to reflect its permanence, values and objectives, and...
Report
Parliament’s role in the coronavirus crisis
The UK government’s move to return the Commons to its usual ways of working when it returns from recess, is deeply concerning. This report warns that abandoning virtual proceedings from 2 June will reduce parliament’s ability to scrutinise the government.
Briefing paper
The new Speaker of the House of Commons: key challenges
The new Speaker of the House of Commons – the 158th in its history – will be elected on Monday. This paper suggests that the candidates campaigning to be John Bercow’s successor must set out a vision for how they would run the Commons as...