About Us

Crisis Governance Observatory UK (CGO-UK) is an independent research initiative focused on the study of crisis governance. Our work examines how governments design, coordinate, and exercise authority under conditions of uncertainty, urgency, and high political risk. 

We are committed to researching crisis governance, particularly across the following domains:

1. Preparedness & State Capacity

This research area examines how governments prepare for major crises before they occur. It focuses on institutional readiness, national risk planning, emergency preparedness systems, and the capacity of the state to mobilise resources under pressure. Research in this area explores how preparedness frameworks are designed, how resilience is built into public systems, and how weaknesses in planning can shape the severity of future crises. 

2. Crisis Authority & Emergency Power 

This theme explores how authority shifts during emergencies and how crisis conditions reshape the balance of power within government. Particular attention is given to the expansion of executive authority, the role of emergency legislation, and the implications for constitutional governance and democratic accountability. Research examines how crises can accelerate centralisation and how institutional safeguards function under pressure. 

3. Evidence, Expertise & Political Judgement

This research area examines the role of expert advice, scientific evidence, and data in crisis policymaking. It explores how governments interpret and deploy evidence under conditions of uncertainty, urgency, and political risk. Particular attention is given to the relationship between expert advisory systems and political leadership, and to how evidence is communicated and justified in major policy decisions. 

4. Territorial Governance & Multi-Level Coordination

This theme focuses on how crises are managed across complex systems of government, particularly in multi-level states such as the United Kingdom. Research examines coordination between national, devolved, and local institutions, as well as the challenges of policy divergence and jurisdictional authority. It also explores how territorial dynamics can shape crisis communication, governance effectiveness, and public understanding. 

5. Crisis Communication & Public Trust

This research area examines how governments communicate risk, uncertainty, and policy decisions during crises. It focuses on the strategies used to inform the public, the management of misinformation and disinformation, and the role of communication in shaping public trust and compliance. Research in this area explores how messaging influences societal responses to crisis policies and how information environments affect governance outcomes. 

Want to get involved in our work?

We welcome proposals and submissions from external and guest authors with an interest in crisis governance, public administration, territorial politics, or related fields.

Volunteer

Volunteer opportunities will appear on our Linkedin jobs page.