Government, policy, and public sector
Evidence, insight, and partnership for better decision-making.
Evidence-based policy expertise
We connect government and public sector organisations with the University’s policy expertise, analytical capability and research strengths.
We work with national departments, local authorities and regulators. We support evidence‑based policymaking and help partners address complex societal challenges.
Our academic community provides rigorous, impartial analysis. This supports policymaking at local, national and international levels.
We draw on strengths across:
- social science
- science and engineering
- health
- data
- place-based research
This gives decisionmakers trusted evidence and practical pathways forward.
Long‑standing partnerships with government
We work closely with:
- UK Government departments, agencies and regulators including specialist advisers (SPADs)
- local authorities and regional bodies, including the North East Combined Authority
- public services and arm’s length bodies
- devolved and international governments
These collaborations address shared priorities. They span commissioned research, advisory roles, secondments, and multi‑year programmes.
Supporting public sector challenges
Our work helps public sector partners respond to major strategic and operational challenges. These include:
- building the energy systems of tomorrow
- tackling health inequalities
- protecting cultural property
- shaping rural policy
- decarbonising transport
- using data for economic growth
- education and skills
- global conservation and sustainability
Co‑design and impact
Our approach centres on working with partners, not just for them.
We help ensure policy solutions are grounded in local context, stakeholder needs, and measurable impact. We achieve this through co-creation, place-based innovation, and long-term evaluation.
We offer flexible ways for government and public sector organisations to work with us, including:
- consultancy and expert advice
- commissioned and collaborative research
- policy fellowships and placements
- advisory boards and expert groups
- access to data, modelling and analysis
- workshops, training and joint problem solving
- long term strategic partnerships