The NHS, social care, criminal justice, education and neighbourhood services are key priorities for any government. Our research, events and commentary analyse changes to funding and demand for public services, and the impact of government policies on their performance and on the workforce that delivers them.
We assess how the performance of public services varies between different parts of the country, identify examples of good practice, and consider why some innovations have worked and other have not, making recommendations for improvement.
We also publish a regular blog ('Week in Public Services') summarising the latest data and developments in health and care, education, criminal justice, and local government.
Public Services Performance Tracker 2025
The government has large ambitions for public services. But with patchy progress since the election, it needs to get a grip to make a success of its reforms and deliver promised improvements. Read our annual stocktake on the state of nine key services.
Read the report
Explore by public service
Health and care
Our research assesses the performance of health and care services and how to improve them.
Criminal justice
Our research assesses the performance of criminal justice services and how to improve them.
Schools
Our research assesses the performance of education services and how to improve them.
Local government
Our research assesses the performance of local government services and how to improve them.
IfG public services conference
A special one-day conference to discuss the cross-cutting issues facing public services with speakers including Michael Gove, Lord Timpson and Lord Blunkett.
Watch online
Public sector workforce
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Upcoming and recent events
How can the government make a success of the abolition of NHS England?
This webinar explored the risks and opportunities associated with abolishing NHS England.
How can changes to NHS structures help deliver the 10 Year Health Plan?
This is the third of a three-part series on implementing the 10 Year Health Plan.
Government 2026: IfG's annual conference
The IfG brought together influential speakers and experts to explore the key questions for government in 2026.
Our public services team
Nick Davies
Programme Director
Abolished to perfection? Building a better centre for the NHS
Stuart Hoddinott
Associate Director
The government is delivering a radical rebalancing of funding towards more deprived councils
Cassia Rowland
Senior Researcher
A new national police force is the right move, but the case for merging local forces is much weaker
Philip Nye
Senior Data Scientist
Austerity postponed? The impact of Labour’s first budget on public services
Amber Dellar
Researcher
The government should be clear about the trade-offs involved in SEND reform
Maria Laura La Corte
Research Assistant