When? Tuesday 16th June, 1-4pm, In-Person only, Church Lane Building 026

What? Guided by experienced senior government policy advisors, the Policy Masterclass is for Master’s students seeking a foundational understanding of how policy works and how you can influence it.

Who? Master’s students across all disciplines.

Submit this form to register your Expression of Interest (EOI). Places are limited and demand is expected to be high. We encourage thoughtful responses that show how the masterclass would be valuable to you. Places will be allocated based on your responses, with priority given to those who would benefit most. You will be contacted before Monday 8th June to confirm your place.

When? TBC - new dates in autumn 2026

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).

When? TBC - new dates in autumn 2026

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).

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.

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?  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? The deadline for EOI’s is Tuesday 12 May 2026. The Fellowship runs for approximately six months.

What? University of York works closely with the OIT to connect academic research with real-world policy challenges. One of the ways we do this is through the OIT Policy Fellowship Programme.

The programme pairs UK civil servants with academic mentors for a structured, six-month collaboration focused on a live policy question.

The OIT Policy Fellowship Programme gives academics the opportunity to mentor a UK civil servant working on a live policy question, bringing research insight into real-time government decision-making.

Who? This opportunity is available to all University of York academics

Find out more about the Fellowship. We are currently inviting Expressions of Interest from academics across the University of York. The deadline for EOI’s is Tuesday 12 May 2026.