Archive of The Constitution Unit News

Building a Better Government: the Political and Constitutional Reforms necessary to build Better Government

Lord O’Donnell delivered his inaugural lecture last night (24 April) in UCL Gustave Tuck Lecture Theatre, Wilkins Building, UCL. The text of the lecture can now be viewed on the link below.

Professor Robert Hazell comments on Baroness Thatcher's funeral and constitutional protocol.

• BBC News 24 at 5 o'clock with Huw Edwards (09 April 2013)
• BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast: 01:06.07 (10 Apr 2013)
• BBC London News at 6 o'clock: 00:08.41  (10 Apr 2013)
• BBC News 24 at 2:30pm - 3:30pm (16 Apr 2013)

A government "tsar" is defined as an individual from outside government who is publicly appointed by a minister to advise on policy development on the basis of their expertise. Their numbers have soared since 1997. Recently published research by Dr Ruth Levitt and William Solesbury (see kcl.ac.uk/sspp/departments/politicaleconomy/research/tsars.aspx) is the first to systematically investigate and charter the growth in tsar appointments, examine the nature of tsars' expertise, the issues ministers have asked them to address and the difference they can make. Dr Levitt will discuss the study's findings and the important questions of accountability and the use of expertise in the policy system. Former tsar Stephen Boys Smith will provide a first-hand account of his experience in the role.