OUR PRINCIPLES
The need for Better GovernmentThe BGI was established in 2007 as a response to growing concern about the
poor quality of formation and implementation of government policies.
Strictly non-party
Our members chiefly comprise former public servants. We have worked closely with representatives of all three main parties in developing proposals for improving the operations of government and its links with Parliament.
Concerned with processes and proceduresWe do not seek to make judgements about the political merits of government policies. We are concerned that the
processes and procedures for developing and implementing them are fit for purpose:
- Were the initial proposals based on full information and sound analysis?
- Was there appropriate consultation within and outside government?
- Did Parliament have enough information and time to perform its scrutiny role effectively?
Concrete recommendationsOur recommendations are set out in the report
Good Government: Reforming Parliament and the Executive, published in January 2010. We focus in particular on:
a) the need to establish
explicit standards for the preparation and presentation to Parliament of legislation and other major policies
b) the need to
provide the means of enforcing them
