Introduction

If you're thinking about getting involved with the world of policy engagement then these videos are a great introduction to how the system works and where you can make a difference with your research. You can choose to watch all four or just those relevant to you.

Contents

• Introduction to Policy Engagement
• Mapping Policy Engagement
• Legislative Process
• Influencing Policy

Or watch all the videos back to back in our YouTube PlaylistLink opens in a new window

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Introduction to Policy Engagement

How does policy get made, who can you work with and how?

Jamie also has a great Twitter thread which covers some of the highlights from this video:

I train researchers in policy engagement and very few are aware of quite how many routes to engage there are, so here is a 🧵 of ways to engage with UK Government and Parliament

— Dr Jamie Gallagher (@JamieBGall) May 17, 2022

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Mapping Policy Engagement

How can you work out who you want to influence, what committees and debates etc. have already taken place.

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Legislative Process

What processes does a bill go through before it is implemented? How can you interact with it at different stages?

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Influencing Policy

What are the different steps you can take to influence policy?

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In Summary:

Actions an MP can take

• Ask a parliamentary question;
• Table a Motion
• Speak in a debate
• Sit on a committee
• Propose amendments to Bills
• Introduce a Member’s Bill
• Write to a Minister or Cabinet Secretary
• Sponsor an event in Parliament
• Carry out constituency work
• Raise the profile of an issue in the media

Stages of a Bill

1. First reading – bill is published as House of Commons paper
2. Second reading and debate in House of Commons
3. Vote to proceed with bill in House of Commons
4. Committee examines bill including taking evidence and generates amendments
5. Report phase – bill discussed at length in House of Commons and amendments suggested
6. Third reading and debate in House of Commons
7. Bill passes to House of Lords, numbers 1 – 6 are repeated
8. Bill can pass back and forward between two Houses until agreement is reached and it is voted through
9. Royal ascent
10. Bill becomes law

Actions a citizen/expert can take

1. Respond to a consultation
2. Attend committee meeting
3. Arrange a site visit
4. Contact MP
5. Write briefings for MPs
6. Write letters to MPs
7. Attend surgeries
8. Host event at conference
9. Start/sign a petition
10. Vote
11. Ask questions
12. Contact APPG (All Party Parliamentary Groups)
13. Propose a motion
14. Submit evidence
15. Advise civil service

Useful links:

• Royal Society Pairing Scheme
• Hansard (transcriptions of Parliament)
• Current Bills
• Writing for Parliament
• Research Impact and Parliament
• Parliamentary Office of Science & Technology
• Select Committees  
• APPGs
• Knowledge Exchange Unit