A keynote speech by Darren Jones MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury

A keynote speech by Darren Jones MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury

Author: Institute for Government March 20, 2025 Duration: 44:14
The IfG was delighted to welcome Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, to set out how smarter decision-making methods in government can reduce waste and deliver for the taxpayer. In a speech at the IfG, Darren Jones set out his plans to reform government financial systems to achieve better strategic financial decision making going forward. This comes after the prime minister last week announced plans to reshape the way the British state delivers and serves working people by becoming more tech-driven, productive, agile and mission focused. Darren Jones was then in conversation with IfG Chief Economist Gemma Tetlow and took part in an audience Q&A.

Ever wondered what really happens behind the doors of Whitehall? Institute for Government pulls up a chair at the table where policy is made and governance gets tested. This isn't about partisan politics or headlines; it's a deeper, more practical conversation about how the machinery of the UK government actually works-or sometimes, why it doesn't. Each episode brings you the experts from the Institute itself, along with senior civil servants, ministers, and analysts, for frank discussions that dissect the challenges of running a country. You'll hear specific case studies, analysis of major events as they unfold, and explorations of long-term issues like public service reform or the complexities of Brexit implementation. The goal is to move beyond theory and into the tangible details of effectiveness and accountability. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a privileged briefing, one that demystifies the processes that shape daily life. It’s for anyone curious about the structures of power, the art of the possible in policy, and the ongoing effort to improve how the nation is governed. Expect thoughtful, evidence-based dialogue that cuts through the noise to examine the levers of statecraft.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Institute for Government
Podcast Episodes
The Expert Factor Live! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:54
Back by popular demand, Hannah White, Paul Johnson and Anand Menon reunited on stage to record a special live episode of The Expert Factor – the podcast for people who haven’t had enough of experts. Nine years to the day…
What do the Nolan Principles mean today? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:26
To conclude our conference on the Nolan Principles, our panel discussed the impact of the Nolan Principles in public life today. How have they changed the standards landscape in the UK? What do the public think about sta…
How can frontline officials uphold high standards of behaviour? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:45
Many of the public’s interactions with the state are with frontline officials in health and social care, policing and local government. How much do the Nolan principles resonate with those delivering public services? How…
Shaping the standards debate: interactive discussions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:39
To reflect on the topics raised during our conference on the Nolan Principles, the IfG and CSPL convened small group discussions to talk through more specific questions: What are the emerging threats and opportunities in…
Speech: Alberto Costa MP, Chair of the Committee on Standards [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:42
Chaired by Alex Thomas, Programme Director at the Institute for Government. This event was part of the IfG's conference on the The Nolan Principles at 30: What does the future hold for standards in public life?
How can politicians demonstrate ethical leadership? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:13
After 30 years of the Nolan Principles, ethical scandals – from partygate to freebiegate – are still a regular feature of UK political life and public trust in politicians remains low. What role do politicians play in le…
Welcome and keynote speech: Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:20
In 1995, the prime minister’s ethics adviser Lord Nolan set out the Seven Principles of Public Life. Since then, the Nolan Principles have been the basis for the ethical standards expected of those working in the public…
How to succeed as a minister [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:18
Rumours of a cabinet reshuffle are never far away in Westminster. So how should Keir Starmer approach the delicate task of choosing his top team? The prime minister has to strike a balance between ministers’ performance,…