Public services are still underperforming in many countries despite concerted efforts to improve policies and increase resources. Political and governance constraints to policy implementation and delivery are a critical piece of this puzzle, but more practical guidance is needed on how to respond to them. Our work in this area looks at how institutions and incentives influence behaviour and outcomes in different sectors and the implications for donor programming. Our current focus is on basic services (health, education and water/sanitation), social protection, justice and security.