In conversation with Rt Hon James Murray MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury: How will the government boost public service productivity?

In conversation with Rt Hon James Murray MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury: How will the government boost public service productivity?

Author: Institute for Government April 20, 2026 Duration: 58:39
Improving productivity is at the heart of the government’s plans for public services, underpins the ‘strategic and agile state’ and is a critical enabler for many of its ambitions for the future. The Chief Secretary to the Treasury has been drawing on experience from the public and private sector to make sure the 2027 spending review consolidates and furthers the government’s productivity drive. This builds on the work already underway within the government through the Office for Value for Money and its departmental target of 2% productivity, efficiencies and savings. But what has the government achieved so far? How is HM Treasury supporting productivity improvements across government and monitoring departmental efficiency plans? What is the Chief Secretary doing to push this agenda on? To explore these questions and to discuss his priorities and approach, the Institute for Government was pleased to be hosting Rt Hon James Murray MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury. Professor Andy Westwood, Policy Director at The Productivity Institute made opening remarks. James Murray was then in conversation with Dr Hannah White, Director and CEO of the Institute for Government. This event was kindly supported by The Productivity Institute (TPI).

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
What does the elections bill mean for the next general election? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:18
The government has introduced the Representation of the People Bill to lower the voting age to 16, change how electoral rules are enforced and – potentially – introduce new restrictions on political donations. But embedd…
Local and devolved elections 2026: Who won, who lost and what next? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:48
With a crucial set of local and devolved elections taking place in England, Scotland and Wales on Thursday 7 May, the Institute for Government devolution team hosted an expert webinar the day after to discuss the results…
What next for restoration and renewal of parliament? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:56
The Palace of Westminster is one of the world’s most recognisable historic buildings and the home of the UK parliament. Yet much of the estate is in urgent need of repair. While debates over how to approach the Restorati…
A state rewired? Civil service leadership, diversity and morale [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:22
Our third webinar in a three-part series focused on the findings of Whitehall Monitor 2026. The third Whitehall Monitor webinar – the final in a three-part series exploring the IfG’s annual flagship report on the civil s…
Book launch: What is immigration policy for? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:05
Successive UK governments have made immigration policy a high political priority, but no recent government has seemed to meet public expectations in the pursuit of those policies. So, what have recent immigration policie…