Parliament, the Civil Service and constitutional conventions Sedwill Series Lectures - November 2026

The School of International Relations and the University of St Andrews Business School are hosting a special series six lectures with Lord Mark Sedwill in November 2026, January 2027 and April 2027 on the anatomy of power: who governs Britain?

In a complex society government is never the only actor and rarely the decisive one. Who really governs Britain, and how are the decisions that shape our lives made? Drawing on more than three decades at the heart of British government, diplomacy and national security, Lord Mark Sedwill, former Cabinet Secretary, Head of the Civil Service and National Security Adviser, offers a rare insider's perspective on how power operates in practice.

Across six lectures, he explores the institutions, individuals and wider forces that shape political decision-making, from the Prime Minister and parliament to the intelligence services, regulators, business and wider society. Drawing on his experience of major events including Brexit, the Salisbury attack and the Covid-19 pandemic, Lord Sedwill examines how power is exercised, how leaders and institutions respond to crises, and what these moments reveal about the strengths and limitations of government.

The series will be of particular interest to students of business subjects and international relations, offering valuable insights into the interplay between political power, international affairs, business and the wider economy, and the implications for leadership and decision-making in an increasingly complex world. Combining first-hand experience with critical analysis, the series offers a compelling exploration of who holds power, who influences it, and what this means for Britain's future.

This second lecture will focus on Parliament, the Civil Service and constitutional conventions. Find out more about the other Sedwill Series Lecture, on the Prime Minister, the cabinet and government, to be held on Wednesday 25 November 2026.

Please sign up for either or both lectures: Lord Sedwill Series Lectures -- November 2026