Policy Leeds

Policy Leeds builds relationships between policy professionals and researchers to inform effective public policy development and tackle major societal challenges.

We aim to:

Connect – We provide a central contact point to connect policy professionals to research expertise at the University of Leeds, and connect researchers to policy opportunities.
Collaborate – We develop strategic policy partnerships and support collaborative policy projects.
Build capacity – We support researchers and policy professional to develop the skills, knowledge and experience to engage effectively with each other.
Communicate – We inform and inspire, sharing insights, news and opportunities.

News and opinion

Policy Leeds: Signpost, October 2025

Toolkits aim to improve child health and wellbeing, new institute to deliver societal change, funding for Yorkshire community projects, how Leeds research is driving change, plus events and more.
How Covid-19 Shaped Young Children’s Development in the UK

Professor Catherine Davies outlines some of the key findings from a major report she has authored for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry.
How to create playful cities where our children can flourish

Play makes children healthier, happier and ready for life – but cities often overlook their needs. The ‘Inclusive Playscape’ project explores how urban spaces can be designed with and for children.
Policy Leeds signpost, August 2025

Round up of policy relevant research and news, including transport partnership launch, citizen engagement guides for Parliaments, plus articles on climate action, health inequalities, and more.
How are communities informing decisions and solutions in Yorkshire and Humber?

‘YPIP’ is bringing together academia, policy makers and communities to support place-based initiatives through knowledge exchange and development
Lessons from engaging with parliamentarians at Parliamentary Evidence Week

In January, two academic teams presented key evidence on school attendance and regional climate action to MPs and Peers to encourage policy action. We asked them what they learnt from the experience.

Policy briefs and reports

What workers want: Conditions for a fair and just transition in the UK

A summary of research exploring workers and Trade Union perspectives on the necessary conditions for a fair transition to a low-carbon future in the UK.
Earning while learning: Student employment

Research sharing the experiences of young women who work while studying, including recommendations for the education sector, employers and industry, and trade unions.
Improve school attendance

Persistent school absence has nearly doubled from pre-pandemic levels to affect around 1 in 4 children. This note investigates how routinely collected data can be better used to tackle this crisis.

Impact stories

Read our policy impact stories

Two people kneeling, looking at a plant in a bed. There are short bamboo canes with flower pots on top throughout the bed.

Find out how researchers across the University of Leeds are working with policy partners to address pressing policy challenges.