In 2014, CES reviewed experience of whole of government approaches in Ireland and other countries. Whole of government is often referred to as ‘cross-government’ work or ‘joined up government’. A whole of government approach involves government departments, agencies, providers and other stakeholders working together in a co-ordinated way on critical tasks. Whole of government is more established in other parts of the world where governments are committed to working this way. The Primer on Whole of Government Approaches examines the challenges of whole of government work, and what governments have put in place for it to be effective. This publication highlights how international experience, along with learning about the importance of implementation can help policy makers to undertake effective whole of government work. The Primer was launched in Belfast in June 2015.