Demands for policy advice and evidence are increasingly expected at the forefront of the UK’s national, regional and local government. More tools, resources and knowledge mobilisation activities are being geared towards supporting decision-makers to implement evidence-informed and impactful policy. Yet knowing what processes, capabilities and methodologies can be used to determine what works, when, why and how is difficult for civil servants facing mounting pressures to deliver quickly, with impact and at scale.

In partnership with the Capabilities in Academic Policy Engagement (CAPE) programme and the Chief Scientific Adviser’s (CSA) Office at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), Nesta is excited to launch a new interactive toolkit on Engaging With Evidence – a practical resource to strengthen capabilities for evidence use and expert engagement. Through a combination of theory, case studies and interactive activities, the toolkit is designed to help decision-makers learn about what evidence and expertise can be mobilised towards the right purposes at the right time. It provides a practical, easy-to-use resource for governments, knowledge intermediaries and others interested in advancing capabilities for evidence use and expert engagement.

This event is for anyone working in local, regional or national government or those interested in developing capabilities for engaging with both evidence and evidence producers, and understanding how improved evidence literacy and expert engagement can support the development of policy to ensure outcomes are effective in generating a meaningful social impact.

Confirmed speakers:

Prof. David Halpern, BIT CEO and What Works Centre National Advisor

Sarah Chaytor, Director of Strategy & Policy, UCL Research, Innovation & Global Engagement

Prof. Alan Penn, Chief Scientific Adviser at the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Dr Ine Steenmans, Associate Professor in Futures, Analysis and Policy at the University College London (UCL)

Kuranda Morgan, Evidence Lead at Nesta