PolicyWISE Cross-Nation Cluster Programme

One of the distinct ways in which PolicyWISE brings people and research together is through our PolicyWISE Cluster programme. This unique cross-nation model of working, developed by PolicyWISE’s Dr Eira Jepson, brokers and nurtures collaborative communities of interest and knowledge exchange, across key policy areas, and spanning administrations across Britain and Ireland. Crowd of people walking

Through these communities we create the space to share ideas and find solutions to collective policy challenges by reviewing evidence, comparing policy approaches, and producing collective reports and research. The Clusters are grounded on the values of parity, learning, and respect of difference. This a new way of working – spanning the different governments, research communities and policy groups – answering a need that was identified by us through consultation with partners in government and academia.

PolicyWISE, hosted by The Open University, and working with universities across the nations, is in a unique position to deliver and coordinate this programme of work. As the first and only cross-nation and comparative policy, research, and knowledge exchange initiative, we create the non-partisan space, we support a culture of cross-nation sharing of ideas, and together we work towards policy solutions informed by comparative analysis and research. Identification of the cluster policy themes is a collaborative, policymaker-led process, ensuring they respond to the current and future shared challenges.

Each cluster works with a set cohort of policymakers, but consistency in engagement methods and working approach is maintained across strands.

Our first iteration focuses on Active Travel, and we are working to develop an Ending Violence Against Women & Girls programme.

Respecting the need for constructive, collaborative and non-partisan policy spaces, there is not (yet) a public-facing aspect of the Cluster programme. However, there is ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the programme, with reports to follow.