Parliamentary Fellowships: facilitating dialogues around education research and policy
“This fellowship has highlighted the importance of knowledge exchange between academic and parliamentary communities. Over the past month I have seen how academic research can inform decision making and address real world challenges. Events like the knowledge exchange meeting are useful, providing a forum to develop understanding and share advice.”
Anastasia Lewis, Parliamentary Fellow
In the lead-up to the 2024 UK General Election, the UCL IOE, Faculty of Education and Society had the unique opportunity to host three parliamentary fellows during the dissolution period as part of the parliamentary fellowship scheme organised by UCL Public Policy. This initiative aimed to foster a robust exchange of knowledge and expertise between academic researchers and parliamentary professionals. The challenge was how to promote collaborative ways of working between researchers, policymakers and practitioners to meet the common goal of achieving policy impact to advance the education agenda.
One of the fellows, Anastasia Lewis, a committee specialist on the Education Select Committee (ESC), joined IOE’s Department for Learning and Leadership (DLL). The DLL is renowned for its focus on early years and primary education. Hosted by Professor Gemma Moss and Professor Lynn Ang, Anastasia’s role at the IOE was to bridge the gap between educational research and parliamentary processes. During her time at the DLL, Anastasia provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of the UK Parliament, particularly how research is utilised by select committees.
Another fellow, Katherine Garratt, a specialist from the House of Commons Library with expertise in mental health, joined UCL IOE, Faculty of Education and Society’s Department of Psychology and Human Development. Her fellowship focused on knowledge exchange in the context of education for children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Her time spent at the UCL IOE, Faculty of Education and Society meeting researchers helped her identify gaps in the Library’s publications on the topic of mental health. It also provided ideas for new projects through the parliamentary research services.
Lastly, Noorjehan Piperdy, a committee specialist on the Home Affaires Committee, joined the Children and Families Policy Research Unit (CPRU). Noorjahan’s fellowship focused on building CPRU skills in disseminating research, responding to evidence requests, ultimately enhancing the impact of their research on policy development and evaluation and scrutiny.
Despite the fellowship period lasting just under four weeks, UCL IOE, Faculty of Education and Society was eager to maximise this period by organising various knowledge exchange activities. These events were designed to bring together the fellows, UCL IOE, Faculty of Education and Society staff, and other UCL researchers working on education-related topics. The goal was to create a collaborative environment where ideas could be shared, and new research, policy and engagement directions could be explored.
One of the highlights of this initiative was a knowledge exchange session led by the fellows Anastasia Lewis, Katherine Garratt and Noorjehan Piperdy. The session was attended by 14 UCL researchers and professional services staff and three parliamentary staff. Anastasia provided the group with an in-depth overview of the role of Parliament and the significance of research in its operations. Anastasia explained the process of select committee enquiries and the steps involved in submitting evidence. Her presentation was not only informative but also offered practical guidance for researchers looking to contribute to parliamentary inquiries.
Katherine explained the critical functions of the House of Commons Library. For some academics, the work of select committees is better known while the library’s efforts are more covert. The library offers research briefings on various topics, which are crucial for MPs preparing for debates or exploring new policy ideas. A notable resource provided by the library is the Data Dashboards, which allow users to search for information specific to their constituency. Also, the library has a request service where anyone can ask questions, except matters directly overseen by ministers. Those inquiries are directed to the relevant government department. The library produces debate packs that are essential for MPs who need additional information for upcoming debates, wish to apply for a debate on a specific subject, or are developing a policy idea. Additionally, the library offers shorter, blog-style briefings known as Insights. These briefings focus on topical issues and provide quick, accessible information.
Katherine also discussed the role of Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (POST), an entity dedicated to bridging the gap between research and policy. POST ensures that the best available research evidence is integrated into the legislative process. They publish various briefings, including “Post Notes,” which provide horizon-scanning insights on emerging evidence, and “Post Briefs,” which offer reactive advice for committees. Katherine highlighted the important difference between the Library and POST in that the library do not put out calls for research nor invite contributions from experts.
A key takeaway from the fellowship initiative was the importance of academics reaching out to committee chairs or specialists. Even if a committee is not currently conducting a relevant inquiry, it is beneficial to contact them to explore potential future scopes. This proactive approach is especially crucial when a new Parliament has been formed. When multiple individuals approach members on the same topic, it keeps the issue at the forefront of their minds. As a result, they are more likely to acknowledge the importance of the topic, thinking, “Yes, I’ve heard about this issue.” This persistent engagement has the potential to influence parliamentary agenda and ensure that critical research areas receive the attention they deserve.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to host our Parliamentary Fellows at UCL IOE, Faculty of Education and Society. The knowledge exchange dialogues have been very enriching and fruitful. Working with the Fellows has given us an important start in bridging the worlds of academic research and policy development.’ Professor Lynn Ang, Pro-Director and Vice-Dean Research at UCL IOE, Faculty of Education and Society and supervisor to Anastasia Lewis.
This initiative by the UCL IOE, Faculty of Education and Society exemplifies the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and practical policymaking. By hosting parliamentary fellows, the UCL IOE, Faculty of Education and Society has demonstrated its commitment to enhancing the impact of educational research on national policy and fostering a culture of collaboration between academia and government.
Witten by Alice Tofts, Policy Fellowships Coordinator, UCL Public Policy.
