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HomeThe York Policy EngineEvents and OpportunitiesDepartment for Work and Pensions (DWP) Link Seminar Series

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Link Seminar Series

What are Link Seminars?

Link Seminars is an established series run by a team of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) analysts on a voluntary basis. The series aims to share ideas, stimulate discussion, and build stronger links between policymakers, analysts, and academics.

In collaboration with the Universities of Bath, Leeds, Loughborough, Sheffield, and York, Link Seminars bring together DWP analysts and policy professionals alongside university staff and students.

Who are they for?

We welcome academics and postgraduate researchers interested in presenting work related to the DWP’s Areas of Research Interest.

All staff and students, as well as DWP staff, are invited to attend these sessions. Details of upcoming seminars will be shared here.

When do they run?

Seminars are held monthly, online, and last one hour.
Dates are confirmed in advance between speakers and DWP organisers.

Why present?

  • Engage directly with DWP analysts, policy professionals, and academics working across diverse policy areas.

  • Discuss and refine your research through a facilitated Q&A session.

  • Build connections and explore opportunities for collaboration with interested DWP colleagues.

What to expect

  • Pre-meet: The Link team will arrange a short briefing to walk you through the seminar format and answer any questions.

  • Seminar: Up to 40 minutes for your presentation, followed by a 20-minute Q&A.

  • Follow-up: We’ll share audience feedback and can facilitate introductions to relevant DWP colleagues.

Recent Seminars

  • January 2024 – Hardship upon hardship: the two-child limit, the benefit cap, and the cost of living crisis. Dr Kate Andersen (University of York)

  • October 2024 – Benefit deductions and debt recovery: understanding policy intentions and effects. Dr Daniel Edmiston (University of Leeds)

  • February 2025 – Unpacking trends in disability, health, and employment in the UK, 2014–2022. Dr Cristina Seychelles, Professor Jennifer Roberts, Dr Mark Bryan, Dr Andrew Bryce (University of Sheffield)

  • May 2025 – Evidence-based approaches to managing return to work following long-term sick leave. Professor Fehmidah Munir (Loughborough University)

  • September 2025 – Coping with emotionally challenging research: a strategic vision for institutional change. Dr Tina Skinner (University of Bath)

Get involved

Interested in presenting your research or attending an upcoming Link Seminar? Contact katie.heffron@york.ac.uk for more information.