Andy Frain

Andy Frain is the Dods Political Consultant for Business, Employment and Culture. He advises businesses, trade unions and charities on labour laws, regulations and the wider political outlook. Andy holds an MA in Politics and Economic & Social History from the University of Edinburgh, writing a dissertation focused on nationalist political movements.

21 Aug 2020 Culture

Left largely under-regulated, the internet is the ‘wild west’ of modern life

The Online Harms Bill will set standards for illegal content and another for 'potentially harmful content', a radical step towards regulating the spread of disinformation and abuse on the internet.

17 Jul 2020 Coronavirus

Mark Sedwill's replacement will be a reformer – whether they like it or not

Replacing the most powerful civil servant in the country during a global pandemic was always going to prove controversial. But with Dominic Cummings determined to shake up Whitehall, what world awaits the new cabinet secretary?

07 Jul 2020 Coronavirus

Explained: Can Oliver Dowden save the UK theatre industry from coronavirus?

The arts and culture sector has welcomed an unexpected £1.57bn cash boost from the Government. However, with a complex employment and regional picture, will the money go far enough for UK theatres and those who work in them?

06 Mar 2020 Political parties

The civil service complaints process is at best flimsy and at worst negligent

Responsibilities and obligations between the civil service and Government need to be made far clearer and be fully formalised, writes Dods Monitoring's Andy Frain.

17 Jan 2020 Home affairs

Brexit strengthens argument for Scottish independence, but there is no clear path to holding a second referendum

Dods Monitoring's Andy Frain considers the likelihood of a second Scottish independence referendum.

16 Oct 2019 Environment

Despite the Modern Slavery Act, poor labour conditions are prevalent in the fast fashion industry

Concerns have been raised by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the Government does not monitor whether statements made under the Modern Slavery Act comply with the legislation, writes Dods Monitoring's Andy Frain.

$The Scottish Parliament: The UK’s most fractious political scene$

29 Aug 2019 Brexit

The Scottish Parliament: The UK’s most fractious political scene

Ahead of Ruth Davidson's expected resignation today as leader of the Scottish Conservatives, Dods Monitoring's Andy Frain considers the state of play in the Scottish Parliament.

26 Apr 2019 Economy

High Noon for the High Street

As the retail landscape shifts, change must be embraced in order to survive. Dods Monitoring's Andy Frain explains.

10 Jul 2018 Culture

The Wright man for Digital Minister?

It would be harder to find many Ministers who have shown less interest in the topics contained in their brief than newly appointed Minister for the Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Jeremy Wright QC, says Dods Monitoring's, Andy Frain.

13 Jun 2018 Culture

Relocation, Relocation, Relocation – A Look at Channel 4’s new HQ

To declare Channel 4’s new HQ as a major move step towards a London-less future would be an exaggeration, writes Dods Monitoring's Culture and Media Consultant Andy Frain.