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? Tuesday 14 April 2026, in-person, 1–4pm, D/L/037 Seminar Room

What? Attendees will be introduced to the policymaking process, and how to influence it, through the new ‘Influence Points’ game. They’ll learn to identify strategies and opportunities for policy engagement, before applying this to their own research in the last stages of the workshop.

Who? Facilitated by the civil service Open Innovation Team (OIT). Open to all academic and professional services staff and Postgraduate Researchers (PGRs).

PGRs register here

Staff register here

When? Tuesday 21 April 2026, 1–4pm, in-person, C/A/140 Seminar Room

What? Learn to craft compelling narratives that make your research stand out and resonate with policymakers. You’ll leave with confidence in simplifying complex ideas and adapting your message to different audiences.

Who? Facilitated by the civil service Open Innovation Team (OIT). 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? 5 sessions delivered between 3rd and 24th March 2026

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. Click here for more information.

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

Apply here by Monday 16th February 2026 at Midnight.

Please note, we encourage all eligible students to apply. You do not need to have any previous experience in policy to apply for the programme.

When?  OIT are recruiting cohorts for July – September 2026 and October – December 2026

What?  For years now, PhD students have played an important role in helping OIT deliver policy projects, working alongside experienced officials, academics and other experts to deliver the highest quality analysis and advice to colleagues across government.

Alongside policy placements, they are offering placements in the OIT’s Evaluation Services Unit (ESU). The ESU uses a range of methods - quantitative, quasi-experimental as well as qualitative and theory-based - to evaluate government policy and assess its impacts. No prior experience of evaluation methodologies is required, though some knowledge of quantitative and/or relevant qualitative research methods is desirable for this placement.

Who? OIT is looking to take on approximately 8 students on placement for each period (so 16 total). It’s open to all PhD students studying at UK universities.

Applications open on 12 January 2026 and close at 12pm on Friday 13 February. Find out more and apply.

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.