The smith institute is a leading independent, not for profit, public policy think tank in the United Kingdom. This Institute was founded in 1996 in
memory of late John Smith MP, former leader of labour party, who was respected and admired by the public and politicians from all political parties. This Institute describes its purpose as pursing “policies for a fairer society” and states that it aims to build on john smith’s passion for social justice. The Institute Director is Paul Hackett a former special advisor to John Prescott MP. Its work with the centre for
social justice on early intervention has been widely covered. This Institute is interested not only in innovation and new ideas, but also in how to translate policy into practise. Much of work is based on parliament and Whitehall, although they are one of the few think tanks that regularly hold events outside of the capital.
This institute undertake a wide variety of projects including research reports, consultancy, expert policy seminars and Round tables. Publications are available to the audience and circulate to media and target groups. PDF versions are also sent to a wider audience at our launch events and are made available on websites and promoted through social media. Research and policy thinking is road tested with other experts and peer reviewed. Most of the activities are undertaken in association with project sponsors. The institute offers thought leadership on a variety of topics and seeks to connect politics and policy to the real world of decision making. They provide fresh insights and alternative perspectives and regularly discuss our work in the media.
The institute strength has grown in recent years. The institute has led the policy debate on
economic geography and regional disparities. They have looked at how targeted interventions can help growth outside of London and the southeast. They have published reports on a variety of regional issues including recent reports. Their work with councils includes studies on localism, on combined authorities and policies to support local job creation. Working with PwC on developing new local funding tools, such as tax increment financing, and with the centre for local economic strategies on maximising the power of local procurement. They also conducted a study for the local authority pension fund forum on how to get local authority pension funds to invest more in their local communities. The institute has longstanding interest in policies to strengthen manufacturing. Working with organisations like the institution of engineering and technology and the society for motor manufacturers and traders, and undertaken studies on the motor industry supply chain, modernising construction, food production and
corporate governance reform.
The institute publishes a wide range of research reports and briefings. These publications offer a perspective on an issue from leading experts and commentators in the field. This institute’s work is undertaken by a team of experienced researchers who are respected experts in their field. Our research team are not just experts in their subject but experienced in conducting interviews, desk research, hosting discussions, writing reports and presenting findings. Their extensive networks alongside experience in delivering projects, producing reports and hosting events ensure their work is respected and influential. The reports are then launched and discussed at high level seminars and conferences. They publicise the report to the mainstream media and through social media, often with follow up blogs and
articles for the specialist press.
Last Updated on: Sep 24, 2024