Nick Pearce

Professor

Nick leads the Institute for Policy Research (IPR) across the range of its research, teaching, policy programmes and public engagement activity. Nick has extensive experience in policy research & government policymaking. He is an author & regular commentator on public policy in print media, & writes on a wide range of issues, from contemporary British politics, public service & welfare state reform, to the changing nature of political leadership.

Nick was formerly Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), where he led a team of 45 staff producing public policy research in the key areas of public services, economic reform, the welfare state, migration, energy & environment & politics & power. He co-edited the journal of ideas Juncture.

Nick was also Head of the No10 Downing St. Policy Unit between 2008 & 2010, with responsibility for the formulation of policy advice to the Prime Minister. He led and managed the work of the Prime Minister’s 13 policy advisers, coordinating policy development & liaising with external stakeholders.

He has also worked as special advisor in the Home Office, Cabinet Office & former Department for Education and Employment. Nick was formerly chair of the advisory board to the UK Chief Scientist's Foresight Programme & served on the Equalities Review & the Teaching & Learning 2020 Review. He is an honorary fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects & is a member of the Foreign & Commonwealth Office's Diplomatic Excellence Panel. He is chair of trustees at Tavistock Relationships.