Influencing government through select committees Hannah White Institute
- Slides: 7
Influencing government through select committees Hannah White, Institute for Government 4 December 2015
1. How can you influence government through select committees? 2. What new trends are there to watch out for? 2
What are committees trying to do? Influence Engage Set an agenda Hold to account 3
What can committees actually change in government? Government… because a committee (for example)… … receives new evidence …listens to different voices or commissions new research … hears different analysis …achieves cross-party consensus …becomes more open …compels government to talk … has a forum for lesson learning …provides space to review and learn … changes how it operates …undertakes scrutiny that stimulates change … operates in a different context …influences third parties through its work, who then influence government … is seen differently by citizens …is seen to have fulfilled its unique scrutiny role 4
What can you contribute? Government… … because you (for example) … receives new evidence Provide oral and written evidence including your own data and anecdotal evidence; allow site visits and committee engagement with your stakeholders; suggest new witnesses. … hears different analysis Provide oral and written evidence including your own analysis and ideas. …becomes more open Build a relationship with relevant committee teams brief staff on possible areas for questioning of ministers. … has a forum for lesson learning Provide ideas for new areas of committee work; provide evidence of the impact of government policies … changes how it operates Stay in touch with committee agendas; engage committees with existing campaigns; build coalitions using committee work as a catalyst. … operates in a different context Highlight the contribution of committees within your organisation and amongst your stakeholders. 5
What new trends are there to look out for? • • More chairs (and members) developing their profile Greater efforts on public engagement Some appetite for joint working Desire for feedback 6
Thank you! hannah. white@instituteforgovernment. org. uk @Dr. Hannah. White www. instituteforgovernment. org. uk 7
