At the heart of the government, linking political desire to action, is the nexus between ministers and their departmental chief executives. From ministers the line of authority runs back to the people through Parliament. From chief executives, the line of authority runs forward to the staff who deliver the policy and services determined by the ministers (with help). This book explores these questions, reporting and drawing on discussions held in late 2001, organised by the Institute of Policy Studies and Centre for Public Law. There was a wide diversity of views at those forums.