Michael Barber

Michael Barber is an Honorary Fellow and a globally recognized expert in government effectiveness. He currently serves as Adviser to Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Effective Delivery and acts as the Foreign Secretary’s Envoy to the Palestinian Authority on Effective Governance.

• Founded the UK's Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit (2001-2005)
• Founding Chair of the Office for Students (2017-2021)
• Assisted Boris Johnson's post-pandemic policy setup (2021)
• Visited Pakistan over 50 times (2009-2018) to improve Punjab's education and health systems

His research focuses on governmental policy implementation, public sector effectiveness, and systemic improvements in education and healthcare. He has authored two influential books: How to Run a Government and Accomplishment: How Ambitious and Challenging Things Get Done.

He received a knighthood in 2005 for his contributions to improving government operations. His career combines academic expertise with high-level advisory roles across multiple governments and institutions.