Paddy McAlary
@paddy-mcalary.bsky.social
Researcher on parliament and government @instituteforgovernment.org.uk
Historian of medieval Ireland and Britain @cam.ac.uk
Research Fellow @queens.cam.ac.uk
Historian of medieval Ireland and Britain @cam.ac.uk
Research Fellow @queens.cam.ac.uk
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Short comment from me about SEND reform:
Legal rights are a much-relied-upon safeguard in the SEND system, but they can complicate efforts to make education more inclusive.
Govt must acknowledge and carefully navigate that tension, with parents and other stakeholders
Legal rights are a much-relied-upon safeguard in the SEND system, but they can complicate efforts to make education more inclusive.
Govt must acknowledge and carefully navigate that tension, with parents and other stakeholders
The government should be clear about the trade-offs involved in SEND reform | Institute for Government
Decisions about legal safeguards will shape the future SEND system.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 23, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Short comment from me about SEND reform:
Legal rights are a much-relied-upon safeguard in the SEND system, but they can complicate efforts to make education more inclusive.
Govt must acknowledge and carefully navigate that tension, with parents and other stakeholders
Legal rights are a much-relied-upon safeguard in the SEND system, but they can complicate efforts to make education more inclusive.
Govt must acknowledge and carefully navigate that tension, with parents and other stakeholders
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
I spoke at the House of Lords Justice & Home Affairs Committee yesterday, on behalf of @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, on immigration, citizenship and integration. Thanks to @jlowen.bsky.social, @cassiarowland.bsky.social and @hcdunlop.bsky.social for help on prep!
Session here: tinyurl.com/372h6jdk
Session here: tinyurl.com/372h6jdk
January 21, 2026 at 11:13 AM
I spoke at the House of Lords Justice & Home Affairs Committee yesterday, on behalf of @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, on immigration, citizenship and integration. Thanks to @jlowen.bsky.social, @cassiarowland.bsky.social and @hcdunlop.bsky.social for help on prep!
Session here: tinyurl.com/372h6jdk
Session here: tinyurl.com/372h6jdk
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Starting shortly - tune in to hear about Darren Jones's plans for rewiring the state
Move fast and fix things: Modernising Whitehall to deliver for Britain | Institute for Government
Keynote speech from Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Darren Jones MP.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 20, 2026 at 11:22 AM
Starting shortly - tune in to hear about Darren Jones's plans for rewiring the state
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Busy day ahead!
Also incudes @darrenpjones.bsky.social setting out his plans to shake up Whitehall and renew the state.
Watch on the link below at 11.30
Follow @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social for some instant reaction.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/modern...
Also incudes @darrenpjones.bsky.social setting out his plans to shake up Whitehall and renew the state.
Watch on the link below at 11.30
Follow @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social for some instant reaction.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/modern...
Move fast and fix things: Modernising Whitehall to deliver for Britain | Institute for Government
Keynote speech from Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, Rt Hon Darren Jones MP.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
January 20, 2026 at 7:25 AM
Busy day ahead!
Also incudes @darrenpjones.bsky.social setting out his plans to shake up Whitehall and renew the state.
Watch on the link below at 11.30
Follow @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social for some instant reaction.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/modern...
Also incudes @darrenpjones.bsky.social setting out his plans to shake up Whitehall and renew the state.
Watch on the link below at 11.30
Follow @alexgathomas.bsky.social and @hannahkeenan.bsky.social for some instant reaction.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/modern...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
We are really pleased to announce that our Government 2026 annual conference at the IfG will kick start with a keynote speech by Wes Streeting at 8:30am. He will be in conversation with @drhannahwhite.bsky.social
Join us online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Join us online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
January 12, 2026 at 1:40 PM
We are really pleased to announce that our Government 2026 annual conference at the IfG will kick start with a keynote speech by Wes Streeting at 8:30am. He will be in conversation with @drhannahwhite.bsky.social
Join us online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Join us online:
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
‼️Not to miss‼️In conversation with Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister
The PM's Chief Secretary will set out the changes being made to the centre of Whitehall to enable the government to drive action more quickly in 2026.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
The PM's Chief Secretary will set out the changes being made to the centre of Whitehall to enable the government to drive action more quickly in 2026.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
January 12, 2026 at 9:53 AM
‼️Not to miss‼️In conversation with Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister
The PM's Chief Secretary will set out the changes being made to the centre of Whitehall to enable the government to drive action more quickly in 2026.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
The PM's Chief Secretary will set out the changes being made to the centre of Whitehall to enable the government to drive action more quickly in 2026.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
New to Bluesky? Or just interested in the workings of government in the UK?
Check out our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk starter pack here - find all my fantastic colleagues and follow for their insight and analysis
go.bsky.app/P7JZCH
Check out our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk starter pack here - find all my fantastic colleagues and follow for their insight and analysis
go.bsky.app/P7JZCH
January 9, 2026 at 1:46 PM
New to Bluesky? Or just interested in the workings of government in the UK?
Check out our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk starter pack here - find all my fantastic colleagues and follow for their insight and analysis
go.bsky.app/P7JZCH
Check out our @instituteforgovernment.org.uk starter pack here - find all my fantastic colleagues and follow for their insight and analysis
go.bsky.app/P7JZCH
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
📝Our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report with @jackpannell.bsky.social & @emmanorris.bsky.social out today sets out out the underlying problems with the way public inquiries are established
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
How can the government ensure inquiries are set up to succeed? | Institute for Government
Early decisions can set inquiries off on the wrong path.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 19, 2025 at 10:53 AM
📝Our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report with @jackpannell.bsky.social & @emmanorris.bsky.social out today sets out out the underlying problems with the way public inquiries are established
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
We argue ministers need better support to make informed decisions about how an inquiry should be set up
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
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👇
My and @drmatthewgill.bsky.social 's thoughts below👇
Public appointments are being streamlined. But will it work?
The success of the updated governance code depends on ministers and departments putting it into practice.
Read the new comment from @howesdaniel.bsky.social @drmatthewgill.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/publ...
The success of the updated governance code depends on ministers and departments putting it into practice.
Read the new comment from @howesdaniel.bsky.social @drmatthewgill.bsky.social www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/publ...
Public appointments are being streamlined. But will it work? | Institute for Government
The success of the updated Governance Code on Public Appointments depends on ministers and departments putting it into practice.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 17, 2025 at 2:50 PM
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👇
My and @drmatthewgill.bsky.social 's thoughts below👇
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Last week at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, we published a new set of Ministers Reflect interviews with Sajid Javid, Simon Hart and Theresa Villiers.
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
December 15, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Last week at @instituteforgovernment.org.uk, we published a new set of Ministers Reflect interviews with Sajid Javid, Simon Hart and Theresa Villiers.
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
My comment piece below explores the key lessons Starmer's govt can take from these reflections.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/less...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
1/ At the IfG, we have been following the government’s announcements on digital ID closely. Last month, we were joined by an expert panel to discuss the potential opportunities and challenges of implementing the policy.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
The government's digital ID plan: Why now and what for? | Institute for Government
An expert panel discusses what problems digital ID would solve and the challenges of implementing the policy.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
December 4, 2025 at 1:26 PM
1/ At the IfG, we have been following the government’s announcements on digital ID closely. Last month, we were joined by an expert panel to discuss the potential opportunities and challenges of implementing the policy.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/govern...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
1/ Last month, the government released a new list of its parliamentary private secretaries and cabinet committees following September’s reshuffle.
Our explainers are updated with the new numbers!
Here are some key takeaways from the releases…
Our explainers are updated with the new numbers!
Here are some key takeaways from the releases…
December 2, 2025 at 5:17 PM
1/ Last month, the government released a new list of its parliamentary private secretaries and cabinet committees following September’s reshuffle.
Our explainers are updated with the new numbers!
Here are some key takeaways from the releases…
Our explainers are updated with the new numbers!
Here are some key takeaways from the releases…
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
As bad as your day might be, it could be worse, you could be the person who accidentally published the OBR's budget document a couple of hours early: obr.uk/docs/dlm_upl...
obr.uk
November 26, 2025 at 11:59 AM
As bad as your day might be, it could be worse, you could be the person who accidentally published the OBR's budget document a couple of hours early: obr.uk/docs/dlm_upl...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Pleased to have written an op-ed for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social outlining some of the lessons from our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report, Ministers Reflect on the Treasury.
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Ministers’ own words are instructive on what has to change in the Treasury
HMT is a big beast in need of some housetraining but ministers outside the department also need to learn how to make the Treasury work for them
www.civilserviceworld.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Pleased to have written an op-ed for @civilserviceworld.bsky.social outlining some of the lessons from our new @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report, Ministers Reflect on the Treasury.
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Rachel Reeves told the FT how helpful she's found Jeremy Hunt's advice on being chancellor - I wonder if this is one of the things they've discussed?
From the great new IfG report from Shaina and Paddy - essential reading ahead of the Budget!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
From the great new IfG report from Shaina and Paddy - essential reading ahead of the Budget!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
November 24, 2025 at 2:38 PM
Rachel Reeves told the FT how helpful she's found Jeremy Hunt's advice on being chancellor - I wonder if this is one of the things they've discussed?
From the great new IfG report from Shaina and Paddy - essential reading ahead of the Budget!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
From the great new IfG report from Shaina and Paddy - essential reading ahead of the Budget!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
New paper, 'Ministers reflect on the Treasury' from @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social and me for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Pre-budget, we've compiled insights from 10 years of Ministers Reflect interviews, plus rex from the IfG catalogue on HMT. Favourite quotes to follow! 1/🧵 tinyurl.com/38anhkc7
![Quote graphic with “#Ministers Reflect” and a statement about the chancellor’s power over money, attributed to Jeremy Hunt — Chancellor of the Exchequer (2022–24), whose portrait appears to the right of the quote. The quote reads: "I think most of your power does revolve around the decisions you can make over money [...as chancellor] that puts you in a very different position to every other cabinet minister, including the prime minister." The Institute for Government logo is in the corner of the image.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:yafpzg4e4ibpubp33xsq5v7q/bafkreigoe7oaqk4kw45ex74usg7hdlkwwkyrhgqk7qn6iacyfcrrujfiym@jpeg)
November 24, 2025 at 1:31 PM
New paper, 'Ministers reflect on the Treasury' from @paddy-mcalary.bsky.social and me for @instituteforgovernment.org.uk. Pre-budget, we've compiled insights from 10 years of Ministers Reflect interviews, plus rex from the IfG catalogue on HMT. Favourite quotes to follow! 1/🧵 tinyurl.com/38anhkc7
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
NEW | Ministers Reflect on the Treasury
Drawing on over a decade of interviews with over 150 ministers, our new report explores the Treasury’s role and the tensions it creates across Whitehall www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Drawing on over a decade of interviews with over 150 ministers, our new report explores the Treasury’s role and the tensions it creates across Whitehall www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
!["I think most of your power does revolve around the decisions you can make over money [as chancellor] that puts you in a very different position to every other cabinet minister, including the prime minister."
Jeremy Hunt, Chancellor of the exchequer (2022-24)](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:d656x5rt365ylfpbzpwgpl4i/bafkreigoe7oaqk4kw45ex74usg7hdlkwwkyrhgqk7qn6iacyfcrrujfiym@jpeg)
November 24, 2025 at 10:55 AM
NEW | Ministers Reflect on the Treasury
Drawing on over a decade of interviews with over 150 ministers, our new report explores the Treasury’s role and the tensions it creates across Whitehall www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Drawing on over a decade of interviews with over 150 ministers, our new report explores the Treasury’s role and the tensions it creates across Whitehall www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
As the covid inquiry gears up for Module 9 on economic policy, @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and I have a new @ukri.org-funded @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report out on Epi-econ modelling for pandemics. We set out why govt needs to invest now 1/🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Combined epidemiological and economic modelling | Institute for Government
The pandemic showed the need for government to improve its use of modelling.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 21, 2025 at 9:38 AM
As the covid inquiry gears up for Module 9 on economic policy, @gemmatetlow.bsky.social and I have a new @ukri.org-funded @instituteforgovernment.org.uk report out on Epi-econ modelling for pandemics. We set out why govt needs to invest now 1/🧵
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/publication/...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
New data shows 40% of 19 to 21 year-old care leavers were not in employment, education or training in March this year (15,000 young people).
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
November 20, 2025 at 11:14 AM
New data shows 40% of 19 to 21 year-old care leavers were not in employment, education or training in March this year (15,000 young people).
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
For all 19 to 21 year-olds, that figure is estimated at 15%.
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
This is really part of a longer story about the ONS, and the picture we have (or don't) of the state and society. The move from International Passenger Surveys to DWP data should improve our understanding of what Brits are doing at least.
Worth noting:
• Upward revision applies to entire 2021-2024 series — the *trend* in emigration is *roughly* flat
• As infuriating as big revisions are, they mean data is getting better
• BUT wild that we ever used a survey to gauge movements into and out of the country instead of counting people!
• Upward revision applies to entire 2021-2024 series — the *trend* in emigration is *roughly* flat
• As infuriating as big revisions are, they mean data is getting better
• BUT wild that we ever used a survey to gauge movements into and out of the country instead of counting people!
November 18, 2025 at 6:05 PM
This is really part of a longer story about the ONS, and the picture we have (or don't) of the state and society. The move from International Passenger Surveys to DWP data should improve our understanding of what Brits are doing at least.
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Come join us next Monday for a conversation about all things fast stream!
Are you interested in the fast stream’s role in the wider civil service recruitment ecosystem, and what the future fast stream reform efforts focus on?
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
November 11, 2025 at 2:45 PM
Come join us next Monday for a conversation about all things fast stream!
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
Are you interested in the fast stream’s role in the wider civil service recruitment ecosystem, and what the future fast stream reform efforts focus on?
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
November 11, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Are you interested in the fast stream’s role in the wider civil service recruitment ecosystem, and what the future fast stream reform efforts focus on?
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Join us next Monday for our event How can the fast stream deliver more for the civil service?
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/civil-...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
NEW REPORT Labour is struggling to meet its education priorities. It has big ambitions to improve schools, but a budget that falls short of matching them. And with no clear plans to reform the SEND system or tackle workforce shortages, children are being left without the support they need.
Performance Tracker 2025: Schools | Institute for Government
It will be extremely difficult for the government to meet its education priorities within the budget it has set for the coming parliament.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
November 6, 2025 at 9:57 AM
NEW REPORT Labour is struggling to meet its education priorities. It has big ambitions to improve schools, but a budget that falls short of matching them. And with no clear plans to reform the SEND system or tackle workforce shortages, children are being left without the support they need.
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk comment from me
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The government must explain and defend its grooming gang inquiry decisions | Institute for Government
Some disagreement when setting up an inquiry isn’t necessarily bad – but how it is handled matters.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 27, 2025 at 5:26 PM
New @instituteforgovernment.org.uk comment from me
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
The chaos surrounding the grooming gangs inquiry last week highlights much deeper problems with the way the government sets up public inquiries
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/comment/groo...
Reposted by Paddy McAlary
4 patterns we're seeing in adult social care, children's social care and homelessness services (with graphs)
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇
Public Services Performance Tracker 2025 | Institute for Government
Labour’s public service plans are less than the sum of their parts.
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk
October 16, 2025 at 9:20 AM
4 patterns we're seeing in adult social care, children's social care and homelessness services (with graphs)
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇
And what govt should do about it
A thread from @instituteforgovernment.org.uk's NEW jumbo report (read 1 get 3 free) on the state of local government services and finance 👇