New research project to examine and strengthen intergovernmental structures and relationships
PolicyWISE and the Bennett Institute for Public Policy at the University of Cambridge are collaborating on a new research project examining the recently established Council of the Nations & Regions. It will lead to an innovative report looking at how the Council might be developed; where it fits within the wider architecture of UK intergovernmental relations; and how it can contribute to better relations between UK government, the devolved governments, and the English ‘metro’ mayors.
The report will draw on:
- Insights from interviews with key policy makers in each UK nation.
- A review of existing intergovernmental structures and research, as well as international case studies.
- A historical appreciation of the distinctive ways in which relations between government heads have been institutionalised in the UK context, since devolution was first introduced.
The project will be the first dedicated research work to examine the Council of the Nations & Regions. This is the UK Government’s new flagship intergovernmental initiative, supporting the Prime Minister’s commitment to reset relationships across administrations.
The project aims to develop constructive recommendations aimed at policymakers and researchers across the UK. These will be published in March, ahead of the next meeting of the Council.
Dewi Knight, Director of PolicyWISE said
“The UK Government has identified the council of nations and regions as a key vehicle for strengthening relationships between the four UK governments, and regional leadership in England. Our partnership with the Bennett Institute is focused on ensuring that the future development of this important initiative is informed by robust evidence and learning from both UK and international practices”
Professor Michael Kenny, Inaugural Director of the Bennett Institute for Public Policy said
“The Council of the Nations and Regions marks a new development in the UK system of intergovernmental relations. But there are questions around the new forum that need further thought. What role should it play? How does it fit into the wider architecture of intergovernmental relations? And are there lessons from international and past UK experience to be learnt? As the second meeting of the Council approaches, our research will explore these questions and more.”
As part of our programme to inform and improve cross-nation research and relationships, PolicyWISE is also today publishing the report of our recent Belfast roundtable. This event was the third in our series of cross-nation policy learning roundtables to mark 25 years of devolution. Our key report takeaways are:
- Scrutiny is essential to good policy development and requires constructive engagement and input from all sides and sectors, supporting a strong legislature and good government.
- Cross-administration learning and co-operation, east-west and north-south, will help build an understanding of skills gaps and the necessary policy and data interventions in Northern Ireland.
- Northern Ireland’s devolution story is unique, and other administrations and policymakers should consider (and learn from this) in their engagement, comparisons, and relationships.
The findings from PolicyWISE’s cross-nation policy learning roundtables will help inform the research on the Council of the Nations & Regions.
PolicyWISE is a unique UK and Ireland comparative policy, research, and knowledge exchange initiative. We bring people and research together to find solutions to cross-nation issues facing policymakers.
We are UK and Ireland by design (working across The Open University's unique four nations base), supporting policymakers and researchers across the nations to develop relationships, respect and knowledge.
PolicyWISE was developed by The Open University in collaboration with Cardiff University, Trinity College Dublin, Queen’s University Belfast, The University of Edinburgh, and University College London. We engaged with the Irish Government, Northern Ireland Executive, Scottish Government, UK Government and Welsh Government in developing our mission and we continue to work with our cross-nation government partners.