Permanent Secretary, Melanie Dawes delivers Warwick Policy Lab lecture

On the evening of Wednesday 27 May, we were pleased to welcome Melanie Dawes, the Permanent Secretary of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) as our penultimate Warwick Policy Lab guest lecturer for this academic year. DCLG’s job is to create great places to live and work, and to give more power to local people to shape what happens in their area. It is a ministerial department, supported by 10 agencies and public bodies. Melanie Dawes took up her role as Permanent Secretary for DCLG on 1 March 2015. She is also gender champion for the Civil Service and sits on the Civil Service Board and Senior Leadership Committee.

Melanie talked about the history and evolution of local government in the UK. She explained the current policy approach which was aimed at increasing devolution to geographical, economic areas and she looked ahead to new initiatives such as the introduction of elected mayors in 9 new areas. Melanie also said how delighted she was that Warwick was playing a key part in driving innovation, which was central to the Government's in the "Midland Engine" vision.

Her lecture was introduced by the Vice Chancellor Professor Stuart Croft and also provided an opportunity for students and staff to ask questions.