Policy@Exeter Development Programme

Our Development Programme will run on two parallel pathways: Engage (12-15 participants) and Influence (8-10 participants). Participants will be allocated to either pathway depending on their policy engagement experience. 

Engage Pathway

Aimed at researchers working on a project with policy implications, this pathway will equip researchers with the skills to confidently identify and communicate with relevant policy stakeholders. This pathway includes:

• 8 online training sessions, guiding you through the process of developing a policy engagement strategy, from goal definition to stakeholder mapping and building policy impact into research bids.
• Full-day workshop on developing Rapid Evidence Assessment delivered by the National Centre for Social Research
• 2-hour masterclass on evaluating and evidencing policy impact delivered by Fast Track Impact
• 3-hour masterclass on writing for a non-academic audience delivered by Showrunner Comms
• 1:1 support with Policy@Exeter's Policy Engagement Manager
• networking with colleagues across different disciplines and career levels
• promotion of your impact work through our website and social media   

Influence Pathway

Aimed at researchers with substantial experience, this pathway will empower researchers to develop their public profiles as go-to experts in their research areas.  This pathway includes:

• 8 online training sessions, guiding you through the process of building and maintaining policy networks, navigating politcal turmoil, and engaging with the media.
• 2-hour workshop on influencing national policy through government transitions delivered by Institute for Government
• 2-hour masterclass on evaluating and evidencing policy impact delivered by Fast Track Impact
• 1:1 support with Policy@Exeter's Policy Engagement Manager
• networking with colleagues across different disciplines and career levels
• promotion of your impact work through our website and social media 

Our expectation:

Our expectation is that you will commit to attending the sessions allocated to your pathway, as these have been curated into a cohesive training programme. However, while we believe in the value of a small-number closed-cohort approach, we also recognise that every research area is different, therefore we are keen to allow researchers to pick and mix some sessions to fit individual needs.

Please note: To facilitate diary management, most session will be held on a Wednesday morning 11-11:45 AM, with a handful of sessions also happening on Tuesday morning or a Thursday afternoon. Please keep these slots free in your diary between mid-April and mid-June. 

Based in Penryn? Please note all sessions will be held online within core working hours to ensure accessibility, with the exception of the launch event which will be held as a hybrid event from Streatham Campus to allow those who want to meet in person.

The Development Programme is open, free of charge, to all academic staff and PGR/PhD students at the University of Exeter. We particularly welcome applications from disabled, LGBT+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) participants. 

Eligibility:

• Be a member of academic staff (E&R, E&S and R only) or a PhD student at the University of Exeter
• [For the Engage pathway] Have attended our introductory training sessions, or have some experience of engaging with policymakers (e.g.: through a research project or event)
• [For the Influence pathway] Have substantial experience of engaging with the world of policy, including having multiple established relationships with policy partners and being confident in producing outputs for policy (e.g.: briefs/talks). 

PLEASE NOTE: This programme is not suited for those at the very start of their policy engagement journey who are just looking to learn about policy engagement. If this is you, please consider attending our monthly introductory training sessions bookable through our Resources Hub. 

You must apply by filling in our Application Form by 5pm on Friday 1st March. Applications will be assessed based on previous experience, project stage and policy relevance.

You will receive an email stating whether your application was successful on w/c 11th March and, if so, which pathway you've been allocated to. Successful applicants will be invited to attend a launch event in person or online during w/c 15th April.

While we are expecting that scheduled training and networking events will take place primarily between mid-April and mid-June this year, we are looking to form and grow a network where continuous support will be provided.