School of Global Studies

Engaging with policy makers

Why engage with policy?

Policy makers and civil servants need evidence to inform their decisions, and will seek information from experts to guide their actions. Whilst needing to maintain an awareness of the topical or pressing issues in a particular field, they often rely on academic research to highlight problems and outline possible solutions. It is never too early to consider the impact potential of your research.

From the outset, you will need to consider:

  • How could your research shape policy?
  • What solution(s) do you offer?
  • Who are your main stakeholders – who are you trying to influence, who do they listen to, and what relationships do you have already?
  • Why is this topic important / relevant now?

How we can make a different expertise?

Global Studies is part of the Policy@Sussex team which can help you find the right time, place, audience and format for presenting your research, and so maximising your opportunities to inform and shape policy debates. Policy@Sussex increases the capacity of academics to engage with policy-relevant stakeholders, and develop targeted dissemination and impact-generation strategies.

We offer a range of support tailored to your objectives:

  • Assist with impact planning through 1-2-1 meetings
  • Facilitate stakeholder mapping
  • Monitor and inform you of upcoming opportunities to participate in policy processes
  • Enable engagement with Parliament and the civil service
  • Communicate and disseminate your research to policy-focused audiences
  • Advise on tracking and gathering evidence for the REF

Contact Carol Anderson, Assistant Research Manager C.S.Anderson@sussex.ac.uk to discuss further.