Date and time: Wednesday 6 May, 12:00-13:00
Location: Building 100 / Room 5017 (in person)
Course Overview
If you’ve ever wondered what goes into engaging with Governmental Departments, and the best way to communicate with them to ensure impact, this training session is for you!
This session will consist of four panellists, each with significant insight and advice to give to the audience.
Learning Objectives:
· Understand how Government works, including the distinct roles of Ministers, Special Advisers (SpAds), and civil servants, and who to target at different stages of the policy process.
· Navigate the policy cycle and identify the key windows of opportunity where research evidence is most likely to be welcomed, including consultations, Select Committee inquiries, and Areas of Research Interest (ARIs).
· Communicate research clearly and concisely for a Government audience, tailoring language, format, and framing to the needs and time constraints of civil servants and Ministers.
· Understand the difference between political and official channels of engagement, and know how to approach each appropriately and professionally.
· Draw on real-world examples from the panel's experience across DHSC, the Government Office for Science, and the National Cancer Plan to apply practical lessons to their own research.
Speakers' Bios
Professor Claire Foster - Professor of Psychosocial Oncology and Co-Director of CentRIC+ at the University of Southampton, Claire is also Director of the Macmillan Survivorship Research Group. Alongside Professor Calman, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the UK's new National Cancer Plan, with research from Southampton directly informing national policy through Parliamentary committees, expert panels, and government consultations.
Professor Lynn Calman - Co-Director of CentRIC at the University of Southampton and a registered adult and mental health nurse, Lynn's research focuses on personalised psychosocial care for people living with and beyond cancer. A member of the Living With and Beyond Cancer External Reference Group for the National Cancer Plan, she has co-led evidence submissions spanning digital decision support, clinical communication, and integrated care, contributing to the Department of Health and Social Care's landmark strategy announced in February 2025.
Gagandeep (Paddy) Bedi - Associate Director of Corporate Engagement at the University of Southampton, Paddy brings over 13 years of government communications experience, including senior roles at the Department of Health and Social Care, Public Health England, 10 Downing Street, and HM Treasury.
Gareth Giles - Head of Partnerships and Community Engagement at the University of Southampton, Gareth spent over six years leading Public Policy|Southampton, connecting researchers with policymakers at local, national and international level. He has also served as Vice-Chair of the Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN) and completed a secondment to the Government Office for Science.