Should public sector pay and pensions be reformed?

Should public sector pay and pensions be reformed?

Author: Institute for Government October 2, 2025 Duration: 1:00:59
This event is part of the Institute for Government's Labour Party Conference 2025 fringe programme. Speakers: Tim Leunig, Chief Econonist at Nesta Dave Penman, General Secretary at the FDA Dr Gemma Tetlow, Chief Economist at the Institute for Government Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers This event was chaired by Ben Paxton, Senior Researcher at the Institute for Government. This event was held in partnership with the FDA.

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 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,…
What choices did the government make in the 2025 spending review? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:01
The 2025 spending review on 11 June is a critical moment for Keir Starmer’s government. Almost a year since Labour’s general election victory, Rachel Reeves will set budgets for departments up to 2028/29 – which will cov…