1. Influencing government through select committees
Hannah White, Institute for Government
4 December 2015

2. 1. How can you influence government through select committees. 2
1. How can you influence government through select committees? 2. What new trends are there to watch out for?

3. What are committees trying to do?
Influence
Engage
Set an agenda
Hold to account

4. What can committees actually change in 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
Note not only trying to change government

5. 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.
Note not only trying to change government

6. 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

7. Thank you. hannah. white@instituteforgovernment. org
Thank
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