The Constitution Unit. Demystifying the UK honours system. 9 December 2025, 1:00pm–2:00pm. Dame Sue Owen (former member of the honours committees for Arts and Media, Economy and Sport). Sir Peter Riddell (former member of the honours committee for Parliamentary and Political Service). Dominic Grieve KC (former Attorney General for England and Wales). Chair: Prof Meg Russell (Director of the Constitution Unit).
How are people chosen for honours? How does the system work behind the scenes? Could it be improved?
Next Tuesday, join Sue Owen, Peter Riddell and Dominic Grieve to discuss just this at our free, online event.
Sign up 👉 www.ucl.ac.uk/social-histo....
03.12.2025 17:03 — 👍 3 🔁 2 💬 2 📌 1
The evolutionary transition from
CSPL to Ethics and Integrity Commission is sensible - as in our @ConstitutionUnit blog - but there is a danger of unrealistic expectations about changes in standards. Stronger oversight cannot improve behaviour by politicians and officials
23.10.2025 11:20 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Much will now depend on how the new Ethics and Integrity Commission and changes to business appointments system for former ministers and officials are implemented, as in my blog for the @ UCL Constitution Unit
25.07.2025 09:16 — 👍 1 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
The government's proposed standards reforms are a promising start, but there should be more to come
Peter Riddell welcomes the reforms, but argues that legislation would enhance further action should be taken before the end of the current parliament.
NEW BLOG: The government's proposed standards reforms are a promising start, but there should be more to come
Former Commissioner for Public Appointments Peter Riddell welcomes the reforms, but argues legislation would enhance enforcement & further action should be taken during this parliament
25.07.2025 05:00 — 👍 6 🔁 3 💬 1 📌 0
Labour and the constitution: (almost) one year on
Ahead of our annual conference, which starts next week and features a keynote speech by Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, @lisajames.bsky.social analyses government progress so far against the commitments in its manifesto
ON THE BLOG: Labour and the constitution: (almost) one year on
Ahead of our annual conference, which starts next week and features a keynote speech by Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, @lisajames.bsky.social analyses government progress so far against the commitments in its manifesto
14.06.2025 08:30 — 👍 6 🔁 1 💬 0 📌 0
Spot on - this government has a largely disappointing record so far on measures to improve standards in public life
01.06.2025 20:24 — 👍 8 🔁 2 💬 0 📌 1
The Nolan Principles at 30: What does the future hold for standards in public life? | Institute for Government
Join us to hear Sir John Major and Doug Chalmers discuss how ethical standards can be upheld in the future.
Great @conunitucl.bsky.social piece from Peter Riddell on the government's progress - or lack of - on reforming the ethical standards system in the UK:
constitution-unit.com/2025/05/30/t...
Join us to discuss in more detail in a couple of weeks!
www.instituteforgovernment.org.uk/event/nolan-...
02.06.2025 11:27 — 👍 8 🔁 9 💬 0 📌 1
The government’s neglect of standards in public life has a cost
Peter Riddell argues public perception matters as much as adherence to formal codes of conduct. If ministers do not act on this soon, they risk adding to the impression that this is a government with no clear strategy
NEW BLOG: The government’s neglect of standards in public life has a cost
Peter Riddell argues public perception matters as much as adherence to formal codes of conduct. If ministers do not act on this soon, they risk adding to the impression that this is a government with no clear strategy
30.05.2025 05:03 — 👍 6 🔁 3 💬 0 📌 0
The government’s neglect of standards in public life has a cost
Peter Riddell argues public perception matters as much as adherence to formal codes of conduct. If ministers do not act on this soon, they risk adding to the impression that this is a government with no clear strategy
ON OUR BLOG: The government’s neglect of standards in public life has a cost
Peter Riddell argues public perception matters as much as adherence to formal codes of conduct. If ministers do not act on this soon, they risk adding to the impression that this is a government with no clear strategy
31.05.2025 08:34 — 👍 8 🔁 4 💬 0 📌 0
