Access to the right research and expertise can help policymakers understand complex issues and make informed decisions. To support this, the Government Office for Science has published a new toolkit to help civil servants engage with academics.
The toolkit brings together practical guidance and resources, covering topics including:
- finding relevant experts
- choosing appropriate engagement approaches
- building effective relationships
The toolkit sets out 4 principles for effective engagement:
- investing time in preparation
- engaging early and widely
- communicating clearly
- following through afterwards
A key theme throughout is the value of bringing together a broad range of experts and expertise. The toolkit highlights how drawing on different disciplines, perspectives and experiences can improve the quality of advice and help avoid blind spots in decision-making.
While developed primarily for civil servants, the toolkit is publicly available. By setting out how government approaches academic engagement, it can support greater understanding between policymakers, researchers and the organisations that help connect them.
Read the Toolkit.