The York Policy Engine Catalyst Event

Posted on Thursday 19 February 2026

The Policy Engine welcomed an inspiring gathering of leaders from across government, business, academia, civil society, and local communities, united by a shared ambition to shape the future of our region and beyond, through evidence, collaboration, and bold thinking.

The evening was designed to create the space to spark dialogue and forge meaningful connections between the guests, and to highlight the role of evidence and collaboration in policymaking.

By convening regional and national colleagues, the Policy Engine aimed to instil a recognition of a shared purpose in the room and a sense of energy and possibility, and a confidence in what we can achieve when evidence, partnerships and place are brought together.

After an introduction from Anthonia James, Head of The York Policy Engine, the event commenced with a speech by Vice-Chancellor of University of York, Professor Charlie Jeffery who was followed by the Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith who gave a special address relating to the current key priorities in the region.

Pro-Vice Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagements at University of York, Professor Kiran Trehan co-hosted the event, delivering an inspiring speech before introducing keynote speaker Jo Crellin CMG, Director General, Domestic and International Markets and Exports at the Department for Business and Trade.

Jo Crellin and colleagues from the Darlington Economic Campus, have worked closely with the Policy Engine to help ensure that regional research strengths are linked with national policy priorities, strengthening university-government relations.

Stuart Paver of Paver Shoes and Cherie Federico, Director of Aesthetica Magazine spoke on behalf of the entrepreneurial and business sectors, promoting the power of evidence and policy making to help drive growth and economic, as well as societal change.

Peter O’Brien, Executive Director of Yorkshire Universities talked about how connecting regional policy priorities through collaborative partnerships enabled by initiatives like the Policy Engine, can bring research expertise into local organisations, turning knowledge into action in Yorkshire and the Humber.

The final guest speaker, Ruth Turner, Senior Director at The Forward Institute, talked about the importance of a diversity of perspectives and opinions when considering evidence, policy change and impact. The event was then brought to a close by Mike Baker CBE, Professor of Practice at The York Policy Engine who shared his reflections on a powerful night of speeches, ambition and collaboration.

Anthonia James, Head of The York Policy Engine, said:

“I was delighted to spearhead this unique event with our Pro-Vice Chancellor Kiran Trehan. It was a genuine privilege. What made the evening so special was the energy, the openness and the appetite to work differently, and importantly, together. At the York Policy Engine it’s our mission to bridge the worlds of research and policy, in part using our convening power and expanding networks and this is something we helped achieve with this event."

Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice Chancellor for Enterprise, Partnerships and Engagements at University of York, said:

“This event was a real transformation moment for York and North Yorkshire. On one side of the room, we had researchers with solutions to Yorkshire's biggest challenges. On the other: policymakers with the authority to implement them. For once, no translation needed. No gap. Just direct conversation that turned into commitment.

“Our region is being shaped right now: Millions in investment are being allocated; partnerships that will define the next decade are forming. Every decision made today locks in for a generation. That’s why events like this and teams like the York Policy engine matter.”

Mike Baker CBE, Professor of Practice at the University of York, said:

“It was a real honour and privilege to help host The York Policy Engine Catalyst event on Tuesday evening. This was an opportunity in our goal to bridge the worlds of research and policy, connecting the very best academic expertise with decision-makers to turn knowledge into action. Brilliant people tackling society’s most complex challenges.
 
“To paraphrase from our outstanding speakers:

“’Sometimes making a difference involves taking a risk..

“Values travel faster than strategy, so you may have to break things and do something different.”

“Transformation without evidence is just guesswork.’”

The event also saw the launch of our new short film about TYPE. The film captures the ambition behind The York Policy Engine and the role evidence can play in shaping better decisions for people and places. Huge thanks to Paul Banks and the team at Digifish for helping us bring that vision to life. Watch the film.