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Policy resources

If you would like more information on how science policy is created and how to engage with and influence policymakers, we recommend the following resources:

Council for Science & Technology (CST)

Policy through Dialogue

The Council for Science and Technology (CST) published a report 'policy through dialogue' on 17 March. It encourages government to do more to engage the public in the development of science and technology based policies, or risk jeopardising the economic and social gains expected from the ten year investment framework for science and innovation.

Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC)

Communicating with policymakers

This quick guide for social scientists gives useful advice on who to communicate with and when and how to communicate, in order to best influence policymakers. It contains the main dos and don’ts of communicating with policymakers in a nutshell.

Influencing the UKpolicymaking process

This longer publication by Conor McGrath is a more comprehensive guide to the processes of British Government and Parliament policymaking. It includes information on Parliamentary procedures, Political parties and think-tanks, Whitehall, the legislative process, devolution and Europe, as well as advice on how best to communicate with and influence policymakers and further information sources.

The Environment Council

Stakeholder Dialogue: Actively brokering solutions

This is a brief overview of what stakeholder dialogue is, its aims and objectives, when it is appropriate and how it works. It refers specifically to activities carried out by the Environment Council, but gives an idea of how stakeholder dialogue can be used by decision-makers and policymakers in general. Although intended for use by decision-makers and policymakers, it is also useful for those who wish to engage with these decision and policymakers.

Know your Stakeholder

By Rhuari Bennett, October 2002

This document provides information on how to identify and engage different groups of stakeholders for participation in stakeholder dialogues. It gives advice on being inclusive and maintaining commitment, which is also useful for organisers of dialogue events.

Drafts of Change

By Richard Wilson, February 2003

This further document discusses how to better allow implementation of policies by involving stakeholders in policy consultation. It includes a series of guidelines on how to engage with stakeholders effectively, which can also be useful for organisers of dialogue events.

Does Participation Work?

By Richard Wilson, September 2004

This final document highlights the pros and cons of the recent growth in ‘alternative’ forms of public participation in political processes, such as single-issue groups. It discusses how to achieve effective involvement of stakeholders in policy and decision making.