Fellows take part in inaugural York Policy Academy

The seven-month long programme which is led by The York Policy Engine (TYPE), brings together over twenty staff from research, and professional service backgrounds to take part in interactive expert-led training workshops. The Academy aims to enhance participants' understanding of policy engagement, expand their networks, and increase their impact by connecting them with civic and political leaders.

The sessions will provide an opportunity for participants to become part of a growing network of policy-engaged people at York, and will cover key policy-based topics, focusing on enhancing participants' understanding and skills in policy engagement.

Each Policy Academy session will be led by a range of policy experts and delivered through a combination of workshops and speaker presentations with Q&A.. Expert speakers will include ex-special advisers, Government ministers, policy institutions and representatives from international organisations.

The first session provided an opportunity for the Policy Academy participants to meet each other and colleagues from TYPE. The session explored the role of policy engagement in the University’s strategy and gave Academy members a chance to consider their own objectives, goals and specific challenges.

Two participants shared their first thoughts on this initial session and told us why they wanted to get involved:

Dr Helen Bradley, Philanthropy Manager for Social Sciences at York: “Meeting the TYPE team and the brilliant colleagues taking part in the Policy Academy at our first session was truly energising, and set the scene for a collaborative and impactful programme of workshops. We collectively explored our objectives for joining the programme, but deepening my understanding of how research influences policy change and communicating that impact to charitable funders was high on my list of priorities. Being part of the first cohort of the York Policy Academy is a real privilege, and I am excited about our cohort's work over the next six months.”

Molly Watson, Media and Comms officer for the Department of Environment and Geography: "I was really inspired by the other fellows in the York Policy Academy, the diverse range of policy areas they cover, and the depth of experience  of the leadership team at The York Policy Engine.

"I joined the university this year, transitioning from a career in the media to a career in comms working on the issue of food and climate change. I'm really keen to become more involved in policy influence and impact, but it can feel a bit daunting. I can't wait to start the programme, and look forward to learning from such a wide-range of speakers from across the policy landscape, as well as my colleagues here in York."

The next session, due to take place in January, will focus on understanding the policy environment in different settings, and will highlight various examples of policy facing activity in practice.