Our systems of government are struggling with the complexity of today’s challenges, resources are tight and frontline workforces are burned out. We need new ways to achieve progress together that harness the ingenuity of people across our public institutions. In the UK and beyond, mission-driven government has emerged as a way to do this, governing in a way that is more outcome-based, participatory, and adaptive.

In his latest book, Mission Driven Bureaucrats, UCL Associate Professor Dan Honig argues that the performance of our governments can be transformed by how government officials are managed – focusing on their empowerment rather than their compliance.

Honig offers a roadmap of how governments can cultivate a workforce of dedicated and motivated individuals through empowerment-oriented management and strategies.

Why you should watch the recording

Dan joined Nesta’s Group Chief Practices Officer James Plunkett for an online talk to explore the power of purpose in public service. They discussed the theory and practice of creating more responsive, effective, and humane government institutions.

This recording will be of interest to those who work in government, policy, the civil service, the public sector or for those interested in improving how governments work.

This talk was a part of Mission Public, an initiative from Nesta and a range of partners that is helping to define the techniques of mission-driven government.

The opinions expressed in this event recording are those of the speakers. For more information, view our full statement on external contributors.