In line with its commitment to support a diverse range of sub-national academic-policy engagement initiatives that are responsive to policy demand and placemaking priorities, UPEN has been working with higher education partners in the North West of England to develop a new initiative that brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to address some of the most pressing policy changes facing the region.
Led by Manchester Metropolitan University’s policy think tank, MetroPolis, in partnership with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, the North West Policy Partnership (NWPP) brings researchers and policymakers together to strengthen collaboration, share evidence, and support better-informed policymaking around place-based priorities.
The inaugural meeting, held on 26th November 2025, showcased a range of place-based policy initiatives across the UK, and discussed next steps. Initial thematic areas are expected to include inclusive growth and good work, health and social care integration, skills and productivity, housing, climate and sustainability, and digital innovation in public services.
A stakeholder consultation is currently in progress to gauge the shape and nature of this demand, and audit NWPP research strengths against identified priorities.
The NWPP builds on proven national approaches while tailoring them to the North West’s unique governance and policy context, reflecting significant momentum around devolution and place-based policy across the region. Greater Manchester and the Liverpool City Region are central to UKRI-backed programmes such as the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund and the Innovation Accelerator Programme, increasing demand for robust, locally relevant evidence. At the same time, the Government has signalled its intention to support Lancashire’s move towards a Level 3 devolution deal, bringing new opportunities for region-wide learning, collaboration, and policy innovation.
In the first instance, the NWPP will work closely with UPEN and other partners on a range of activities, including targeted events tailored to the needs of local decision-makers, policy roundtables, workshops, and conferences on regional priorities. It will also act as a shared hub for accessible research summaries, policy briefings, and case studies, and will offer rapid evidence reviews to support timely decision-making.
Capacity-building will be a central feature of the partnership’s work, with shared training and mentoring opportunities to support researchers in effective policy engagement and to help policy professionals access relevant academic expertise. By encouraging collaboration, the NWPP will also support the development of joint funding bids and co‑produced research projects aligned with regional policy requirements.
UPEN will continue to support the NWPP as it seeks to strengthen the region’s collective voice in national policy debates, ensuring that regional and national policymaking is informed by robust evidence.
For further details on how you can get involved please contact Katherine Roycroft k.roycroft@mmu.ac.uk or Chris Peters chris.peters@lstmed.ac.uk
For further details on UPEN’s work supporting regional policy engagement, please contact Chris Hewson c.hewson@hud.ac.uk
