Policy impact for researchers: Public one day virtual training workshops at the IfG

This workshop is designed specifically for academic researchers and policy engagement support staff. Anyone working at a UK university or similar research organisation can sign up individually.

Upcoming workshop dates:

We are finalising dates for our 2026 workshops.

Spots are limited to 25 participants per session to ensure an interactive and engaging experience.

Register your interest to receive notification when future courses will be available to book.

About IfG workshops

Our workshops equip academic researchers with the knowledge and skills they need to find and engage with policy makers.

We have been providing workshops for academics since 2012, and have worked with AHRC, ESRC, the British Academy, Royal Society and numerous universities.

We also offer a range of courses for academic organisations. Download our policy impact workshops brochure.

Why attend?

Many researchers are keen to achieve real world impact with their research. But the idea of engaging with policy makers is daunting – government is complex and opaque, it seems like it will take up a lot of time, and it’s difficult to know where to start. This workshop will explain how different parts of government fit together, how policy making works in practice and how your evidence can be best positioned to make a difference. We will also consider how to raise your profile and communicate with policy makers.

You will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the UK government landscape and its components.
• Learn how academic research is used in policy making
• Learn practical tips for engagement with parliament, the civil service, devolved and local government and intermediary organisations.
• Explore the characteristics and constraints of different policy audiences, and the considerations for communicating with them effectively.
• Discuss how to build your profile as a researcher and use online tools to enhance your work.
• Practise pitching your research to a non-expert audience and get feedback for development.

Who should attend

• We expect that attendees will be a current member of an academic institution
• The workshop is suitable for researchers of all levels and disciplines, and policy engagement support staff.
• No previous experience of policy engagement is necessary, but the workshop will still be useful for those who have had some involvement with policy makers.

What to expect 

Workshops will be delivered online via Zoom from 9:30-16:30.

We aim to make all of our workshops engaging, informative and practical – and there will also be breaks throughout the day. We’ll provide opportunities for you to connect with other participants and learn from each other during the session. 

The number of attendees will be limited to 25 to ensure everybody has the chance to contribute to the discussion. Please note that you will be attending this session alongside attendees from a range of other academic and research organisations.  

Workshops will be delivered by facilitators and experts from the Institute for Government, to combine in-depth knowledge and expertise in UK government and policy making with years of experience in delivering engaging workshops to academics and others outside government. 

Registration, booking, and prices

If you’re interested in attending one of our future open courses, please register your interest – and we’ll be in touch when bookings are open for the upcoming dates. 

Virtual courses are priced at £475 for each attendee, inclusive of VAT and transaction charges.   

See our full terms and conditions.