The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2029 places an even greater emphasis on the real-world impact of university research, with “Engagement and Impact” accounting for 25% of the overall assessment. For university impact departments, navigating the complexities of demonstrating policy impact is crucial. Showrunner offers expertise and strategic support to empower your academics to effectively influence public policy and maximize their REF 2029 submissions.
The Landscape of REF 2029 and Policy Impact:
REF 2029 defines impact as “an effect on, change or benefit to the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life, beyond academia.” Crucially, impact will be assessed in terms of its rigour, reach, and significance. This means universities must not only demonstrate that their research has influenced policy, but also the quality and depth of that influence, and its broader implications.
The shift in REF 2029 towards an institutional and disciplinary focus, along with an increased emphasis on “People, Culture and Environment,” underscores the need for integrated and sustained policy engagement strategies across the university.
How Showrunner Empowers Your Academics for Policy Impact:
Showrunner specializes in connecting academic expertise with policymaking. Our services are designed to address the specific needs of universities aiming for high-quality policy impact in REF 2029:
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Strategic Policy Engagement Training & Development: We offer sector-leading training programmes tailored for academics at all career stages. Our workshops and masterclasses build a deep understanding of policymaking institutions and processes, helping academics hone their influencing techniques and skills. This includes:
- Online training workshops: Building foundational knowledge of policymaking.
- In-person development masterclasses: Practical skills for policy influencing.
- Bespoke toolkits: Guiding individual academics in prioritizing and directing policy influencing activity.
- Ongoing support: For academics and research centres seeking to build profiles and influence among policy audiences.
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Translating Research into Policy-Ready Insights: We work with academics to translate complex research into accessible, purpose-driven strategies and delivery programmes. This includes:
- Message development and policy positioning: Crafting clear and compelling narratives for policymakers.
- Policy consultation responses, White Papers, and briefing notes: Producing high-quality policy documents.
- Support for Select Committee and APPG appearances: Preparing academics for impactful engagement with parliamentary bodies.
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Connecting Academics with Policymakers: Showrunner plugs your experts directly into the policy arena, generating support and engagement in Westminster, Whitehall, and local government. Our services include:
- Stakeholder mapping and political monitoring: Identifying key policy audiences and tracking relevant developments.
- Targeted contact, engagement, and event programmes: Facilitating meaningful interactions with policymakers.
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Evidencing and Articulating Policy Impact for REF 2029: We provide guidance and support in developing compelling impact case studies with clear policy dimensions. This includes advice on demonstrating the rigour of engagement, as well as the reach and significance of the policy influence. We can help you:
- Plan and capture case studies: Ensuring all elements of policy engagement and its resulting impact are documented effectively.
- Strategise for external funding proposals: Integrating policy impact from the outset of research design.
By partnering with Showrunner, university impact departments can confidently equip their academics with the knowledge, skills, and connections necessary to achieve demonstrable policy impact, strengthening their REF 2029 submissions and contributing to a research culture that prioritizes real-world change.