Policy Academy: Upcoming Training and Opportunities
Lots of exciting opportunities to hone your policy engagement skills…
Policy Academy Masterclass: How to write a policy brief
Join Professor Alistair Clark for a practical masterclass on writing effective policy briefs that translate research into clear, impactful recommendations for policymakers. Drawing on his extensive experience advising parliaments, committees and public bodies, Alistair will share key principles, common pitfalls and practical tips for communicating evidence with influence.
This interactive session will go beyond the theory of policy brief writing to explore what policymakers look for when reading them. Alongside Alistair’s presentation, participants will hear directly from policymakers who regularly use policy briefs in their work, offering valuable insights into what makes a brief useful, persuasive and actionable. Ideal for staff, researchers and PGRs looking to strengthen the policy impact of their work and improve how they communicate evidence to decision-makers.
This is an in-person workshop and numbers are limited:
- Date: Thursday 12th November
- Time: 09:45 – 14:00
- Location: FDC.1.15, Frederick Douglass Centre
- How to book: email the Policy Academy: nu.policyacademy@newcastle.ac.uk
Policy Academy: 1-1 policy engagement coaching
The Policy Academy is excited to offer policy engagement coaching sessions, delivered in partnership with Quorus — leading experts in public policy and the political dynamics that shape it. The Quorus team are seasoned policy engagement professionals with experience across the private sector, non‑profits, and higher education. Many of you will already know them from the training sessions they’ve delivered for the Academy over the years.
This new support offer includes a one‑to‑one online consultation with a Quorus consultant to explore your policy engagement goals and current activity. Following the session, you’ll receive a tailored Policy Toolkit, designed specifically for your needs. See the attached for examples of Policy Toolkits.
Your toolkit will provide:
- Clear, actionable insights into the policy landscape
- Intelligence on key influencers and decision‑makers in your area
- Up‑to‑date analysis of relevant debates and developments
- Practical recommendations for your next steps
This is a fantastic chance to deepen your understanding, sharpen your strategy, and move forward with confidence in your policy engagement work. Ideal for staff, researchers and PGR students.
To apply, please complete the application form by Friday 27th November 2026. There are only 10 places, so we will be assessing applications and letting you know the outcome by Friday 11th December 2026. We can then start arranging your one-to-one appointments with Quorus.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions: nu.policyacademy@newcastle.ac.uk
Policy Academy Foundation Workshops
An introduction to national policy making
Learn how policy decisions are made in the UK. Through case studies and interactive exercises, explore the policy making process and the role of key players such as Parliament, Government and the Civil Service.
By the end of this session participants will:
- Recognise the importance of policy engagement and the impact that can be achieved
- Understand the basics of national policy making, including processes, institutions and significant individuals
- Be familiar with some of the ways that influence can be applied to policy and the impact that can be achieved.
This is an in-person workshop and numbers are limited:
- Date: Tuesday 19th January 2027
- Time: 13:00 – 16:00
- Location: Room 1.71B, King George VI Building
- How to book: email the Policy Academy, nu.policyacademy@newcastle.ac.uk
Influence through expertise: building your profile, engaging Parliament and shaping evidence
Learn how to build a reputation as a go-to source of credible expert insight among policy makers. Through practical exercises, case studies and expert presentations this session will explore how best to engage with aspects of the national policymaking process that regularly call on the input of academic expertise.
By the end of this session participants will:
- Understand how they can build expert reputations through regular, credible media engagement
- Be ready to submit impactful material in response to calls for evidence from a range of formal policymaking institutions, including Select Committees and All Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs)
- Know how to identify and act on opportunities to speak to non-academic audiences about the policy-relevance of their work
This is an in-person workshop and numbers are limited:
- Date: Thursday 21st January 2027
- Time: 10:00 – 13:00
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Location: Room 1.71B, King George VI Building
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How to book: email the Policy Academy, nu.policyacademy@newcastle.ac.uk