When? Thursday 12 February 2026, 10am–12pm, in-person only, location TBC

What? This session introduces the essentials of writing a clear, impactful policy brief - an accessible document that translates research into practical recommendations for decision-makers. Participants will explore what policymakers need, how to structure and present information effectively, and how to craft concise, evidence-based messages that resonate with different audiences. Interactive activities will compare examples and give you practical tools to develop your own brief.

Who? Facilitated by The York Policy Engine. Open to all academic and professional services staff and Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs).

Register here.

When? A tailored 1–2 hour session, arranged at a time that suits you, in-person or online.

What? Senior Policy Advisers offer advice on how academics can influence policy on specific topics or research. Participants benefit from a mapping of key policy stakeholders inside and outside government, advice on influencing strategies, and guidance on communicating with policymakers.

Who? Facilitated by the civil service Open Innovation Team (OIT). Open to all staff (academic and professional services), individually or in small research groups.

Submit your Expression of Interest for a one-to-one clinic  here. EOIs will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year, with a limited number of places available.

When?  A tailored session, and, in some cases, multiple sessions arranged at a time that suits the group, in-person or online.

What? These are sessions designed to give small groups of staff working on the same project or research centres an opportunity to formulate and evaluate their policy impact strategy and consider vision, objectives, engagement, priorities and deliverables.

Who? Facilitated by the civil service Open Innovation Team (OIT). Open to all staff (academic and professional services), in small research groups.

Submit your Expression of Interest for a group clinic  here. EOIs will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the year, with a limited number of places available.

When? Early March 2026, up to 5 sessions delivered over 3 weeks

What? Join the Policy School and collaborate with students from across the university to develop a policy proposal on a live UK issue over five sessions. Visit the Darlington Economic Campus (DEC), a civil-service hub in the North East of England, for the final session with civil-servants for exclusive insights into the realities of delivering policy work and hear about exciting career opportunities for graduate students.

Who? Open to second and third-year undergraduate students across all faculties and departments.

Applications open January 2026.

When? Monthly, three-hour sessions between December 2026 and June 2027

What? The York Policy Academy is an annual programme run by The York Policy Engine (TYPE). It helps staff understand policy engagement, expand their networks, and increase their impact by connecting with civic and political leaders through interactive, expert-led workshops.

Who? Open to all professional services and academic staff at the University of York and York St John, at any career stage, who aspire to influence policy through their work.

Applications for 2026/27 open July 2026.