Independent Reviews

Independent review examining leadership and management across health and social care in England. Identified cultural, structural and talent management weaknesses and proposed system-wide changes to leadership standards, accreditation and career pathways for NHS managers.

Independent review of children's social care in England. Found the system was reactive and bureaucratic, failing to provide the loving and stable relationships children need.

Independent review commissioned by DHSC examining how NHS patient data can be better used for research and analysis while maintaining privacy. Published April 2022 with 205 recommendations across five chapters.

Independent review of maternity services at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust covering 1,592 cases between 2000 and 2019. Found repeated failures in care contributing to avoidable deaths and serious harm.

Statutory independent review of the bank ring-fencing regime introduced by the Banking Reform Act 2013 and of proprietary trading activities, examining whether the regime remained fit for purpose following its implementation in January 2019 and making 9 recommendations.

Independent review examining the long-term sustainability of the criminal legal aid system in England and Wales, covering police station advice, magistrates' court, Crown Court and appeal stages. Found the system was in serious crisis and recommended significant fee increases.

Law Commission review of hate crime legislation in England and Wales, examining the extent and nature of hate crime and making 34 recommendations to improve consistency and extend protections across all five protected characteristics.

Independent review examining how to ensure a coherent approach to digital transformation across NHS national bodies. Argued for a culture shift and a unified operating model, and recommended consolidating NHS digital functions into NHS England.

Review by the Committee on Standards in Public Life examining the robustness of ethics regulation in central government. Recommended stronger frameworks including independent regulation of the Ministerial Code and expanded Business Appointment Rules to prevent the revolving door.

Independent review of the food system commissioned by DEFRA. Published in two parts (2020 and 2021), making 14 recommendations covering sugar tax, free school meals, land use, trade and food innovation.

The second part of Dame Carol Black's independent review of drugs in England, focusing on prevention, treatment and recovery. Made 32 recommendations across government to improve drug treatment effectiveness, support for families, and the recovery system.

Independent commission examining racial and ethnic disparities across education, employment, health, and the criminal justice system in the UK. Made 24 recommendations across four themes: family, education, employment and health.

Independent panel review of judicial review in England and Wales, examining whether the right balance is struck between citizens' rights to challenge executive decisions and the need for effective government. Made two substantive recommendations and four procedural recommendations.

Independent review of the UK listing regime, recommending reforms to make London more competitive as a listing venue and to support high-growth technology and life science companies listing in the UK.

Independent review of the UK fintech sector, recommending a comprehensive strategy covering policy and regulation, skills and talent, investment, international attractiveness and national connectivity to maintain UK global fintech leadership.

Independent review of competition policy and the framework of consumer-facing markets, examining whether existing rules and regulators adequately protect consumers and promote competition, with over 40 recommendations.

Independent global review of the economics of biodiversity, commissioned by HM Treasury. Concluded that nature is an asset and that economic systems must account for natural capital. Proposed three broad transitions.

Independent investigation into failures by the FCA to adequately supervise London Capital & Finance plc, a mini-bond issuer that collapsed in January 2019 leaving approximately 11,600 bondholders with losses of circa £237 million, making 13 recommendations addressed to the FCA.

Independent review of food standards in NHS hospitals. Made 8 recommendations for improving both patient and staff food including mandatory minimum standards.

Independent review examining how the health system in England responded to patient safety concerns about three treatments: pelvic mesh implants, sodium valproate, and the hormone pregnancy test Primodos. Found systemic failings and recommended creation of a Patient Safety Commissioner role.

Independent review commissioned by the Ministry of Defence into the concerns and needs of UK Armed Forces families, covering accommodation, healthcare, education, employment for partners, and the impact of frequent moves and deployment. Made 110 recommendations.

Independent review examining the events leading to members of the Windrush generation being wrongly detained, denied legal rights, and in some cases deported. Found failings across policy, legislation, and operations at the Home Office.

Independent review advising government on whether and how to proceed with the HS2 high-speed rail project, assessing cost, schedule, governance, and alternative options for Phases 1 and 2. The report made 63 numbered conclusions rather than formal recommendations.

Independent inquiry examining how the health system failed to identify and stop unnecessary and mutilating surgery by breast surgeon Ian Paterson across NHS and independent sector hospitals, making 15 recommendations to strengthen clinical governance, patient safety and regulatory oversight.

Independent commission examining how to promote and increase the use of beautiful design in new housing developments. Reported January 2020 with 42 recommendations covering planning, design codes, and community engagement.