Introduction to Policy Engagement, led by Professor Chris Fox

This 3 hour training session will provide an introduction to policy-making and the role of research evidence in shaping policy. It’s a fantastic knowledge-building opportunity for researchers beginning to think about the policy impact of their research, and you’ll hear case studies of Manchester Met academics who have successfully engaged with policymakers.

This interactive session will cover:

· What is policy and who makes it?

We’ll look briefly at definitions of policy, the challenge of complexity in policy-making and key policy-making institutions including Parliament, Select Committees, government departments, non-executive bodies and QUANGOs, and key players including politicians, civil servants, pressure groups and the media. We’ll discuss tactics to engage with some of these groups.

· How is policy made and scrutinised in the UK?

We’ll look at the formal legislative process including Green Papers, White Papers, Acts of Parliament, Statutory Instruments and scrutiny bodies and ways that researchers can involve themselves in these processes.

· What is evidence-based policy and can your research evidence change policy?

We’ll examine the different ways that evidence-based policy can be conceptualised and how research does (and doesn’t) influence policy.

· How can I get involved in policy-making?

We’ll finish the session by looking at practical opportunities for academics to get involved in policy-making ranging from submissions to Select Committees and Green and White Paper consultation to engaging with politicians and civil servants.

Host or Publisher MetroPolis