With the General Election now set for July 4, the phrase ‘mission driven government’ is swirling around Westminster. Consensus is building around the idea that in order to operate public services fit for the 2020s, drive economic growth, and tackle the complexities of climate, conflict and AI, the country’s institutions need to evolve and become more collaborative. But what will this mean in reality - and how can this embrace the skills and experiences that already exist at the local level? 

The Future Governance Forum (FGF) published Mission Critical 01: Statecraft for the 21st Century last week, exploring how a future government might implement missions in practice. Key amongst the principles it recommends a new government should adopt is a new approach to policy design. One that closes the gap between intent and results; and emphasises the need for central government to govern in partnership with places - unleashing much needed energy, capacity and expertise.