An inquiring mind is essential for effective public affairs and good policy making. It is to value curiosity and understand better how things work, to evidence what works well, and determine what good looks like. It means not to take things on face value and to look past any political spin.
An inquiry is as much about listening as it is talking, but knowing which questions to ask and when. While there’s no ‘wrong answer’ what’s said should not be a surprise, if the initial lines of inquiry have identified the issues and political insights. That is why interim reports mostly set out the political and policy landscape with key findings, while a final report models change with recommendations.
Over the last 20 years Citadel has drawn on our legislative experience and skills in responses to all-party parliamentary reviews, select committee inquiries, statutory guidance and government strategies. We have initiated and supported independent commissions and expert advisory groups.
From deep dive research in local areas, to focus groups and national polling, surveys and census. None so apparent as the rapid reviews for national reports which helped shape policies in response to Covid-19 during the pandemic with the National Youth Agency and for the wider youth sector.
Our work has focused largely on education, skills and employment, as protective factors for and routes out of poverty, breaking down barriers to opportunity and improving young people’s wellbeing. From a year long parliamentary inquiry into youth work, a review of post-16 education pathways, a new study on model services for 16-25 year olds, and the creative enterprise of young people.
Now also advising on the government’s national youth strategy under Labour 2025, having been around the table on youth strategies with New Labour 2008, Coalition 2012, and Conservatives 2022.
Such inquiries are not immune to the short term of the election cycle, with the threat that recommendations will be shelved by a new administration. However, evidence based policies cannot be so readily dismissed.
To be an effective inquiry there are lessons to be learned from the past, experiences in the present and an exploration of change for the future matched with fresh insights of young people, and open to new ideas from curious minds.
Citadel 