The Academy is delighted to announce that ten successful applicants will join the seventh cohort of its prestigious Policy Fellowships programme:
- Matthew Blackmur, Innovation Lead, Energy, Clean Growth & Infrastructure Sector Team, UKRI
- Ross Burton, Area Lead for Oxfordshire, Cities and Local Growth Unit, BEIS
- Sarah Butler, Energy Innovation Programme Manager, BEIS
- James Claverley, Head of Government Relations & Partnerships, National Physical Laboratory
- James Davey, Head of Inventory & Mitigation, BEIS
- Frances Downey, Head of Research & Innovation culture, UKRI
- Abby Jitendra, Principal Policy Manager, Energy Team, Citizens’ Advice
- Charlie Smoothy, Senior Policy Adviser, National Security Cyber Policy Lead, Home Office
- Andy Sweeting, Head of Transport, Labour Market and Skills, Department for Transport
- Matt Wright, LEP Innovation Lead & Universities Innovation Manager, Lancaster University
The Policy Fellows will join the programme virtually between April and June 2022. They will take part in a series of activities designed to help them make rapid progress on their chosen policy challenges, including one-to-one meetings with experts, coaching sessions and group workshops. They will learn first-hand how engineers solve problems using techniques such as systems thinking, apply this to complex policy questions and have an opportunity to expand their personal networks with the Academy’s community of innovators and leaders. Collectively they will meet over 100 leading engineers handpicked from the Academy’s UK and international networks.
Dr David Cleevely CBE FREng, Chair of the Policy Fellowships Working Group, said:
“The Academy’s Policy Fellowships programme is in its third year with a strong new cohort from across government and throughout the UK. The growing numbers show there is huge demand for applying engineering and systems thinking to a variety of the most complex policy challenges facing us. We are actively engaged with those who have already been through the programme and I continue to be excited by the potential of this unique network of policymakers to transform policy through engineering.”
Engineering Better Policy
The Policy Fellowships programme has a growing influence on policymaking practice. It is now a network of 47 alumni and we are on track to exceed 50 alumni by the end of 2022.
The improved understanding of challenges and solutions is already having a direct impact on policymaking. Writing in our programme’s insights report Engineering better policy, Policy Fellows share the aspiration that the programme will make a big contribution to changing how public sector organisations operate in the coming years. The range of connections across a diversity of departments and authorities creates a promising network as government increasingly focuses on science, engineering and technology.
‘My background inspired me to join the Policy Fellowships programme and ensure civil servants take equality and inclusivity into account while developing and implementing new policies. Following discussions with experts I identified inclusion as aligning with the systems-based approach advocated by engineers.’
Louise Dunsby Deputy Director, Innovation Policy, BEIS
‘The Policy Fellowship is an important collaboration to promote closer working between policymakers and engineers as government confronts increasingly complex and connected challenges.’
Simon Lawrence Head of Project Futures, Infrastructure and Projects Authority
Next cohort: applications open 26 April until 28 June 2022
The next cohort of Policy Fellows will start in September 2022. Applications will open on 26 April and will close on 28 June 2021. For more information about the programme and how to apply please visit www.raeng.org.uk/policyfellowships or email [email protected].
Notes to the editors
1. About the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Policy Fellowships
As a national academy, the Royal Academy of Engineering provides progressive leadership for engineering and technology, and independent expert advice to government in the UK and beyond.
The Policy Fellowships programme is an intensive professional development programme that supports better evidence-based policymaking. It advances policymaking and policy through engineering perspectives and systems approaches.
2. About the Royal Academy of Engineering
The Royal Academy of Engineering is harnessing the power of engineering to build a sustainable society and an inclusive economy that works for everyone.
In collaboration with our Fellows and partners, we’re growing talent and developing skills for the future, driving innovation and building global partnerships, and influencing policy and engaging the public.