Policy Brief connects expertise with decision makers and their advisers — delivering in-depth specialist advice that is politically informed. Our aim is to support better policy making and outcomes for everyone. Solutions are there — we are here to promote them and support their delivery.
At Policy Brief, we explore key policy issues as well as social and economic affairs in-depth, bringing insight and commentary from leading experts to policy makers and opinion formers in order to inform public debates and to shape policy.
Alongside general policy and current affairs, we focus on a number of key policy themes to enhance understanding of the issues surrounding them and we run
focused campaigns to deliver change in policy and to affect changes for in the lives of people.
Our coverage is focused geographically on policy in the UK, the North, and on conflict resolution and aid globally.
We look to educate and inform, but chiefly to impact policy and political and investment decisions across the public and the public-facing private sector. We look to create bridges for experts to reach advisers and decision makers with the aim of
facilitating better policy outcomes and realising change that benefits all.
Editor, Policy Brief
Policy Brief brings together analysis and commentary across key issues shaping the UK and the world. You can expect to see a consistent focus on the issues of public policy and finances; on the economy, industrial strategy, energy and trade; the UK regions — especially the North; on housing and cities; and on foreign, aid, security and defence policy.
New demands on public services and the professionals who deliver them are straining budgets and staff in ways that are unsustainable and leaving significant gaps in delivery. Aligning policy and practice to better meet the needs and expectations of professionals and the public is key to delivering the public services that the UK needs and can afford to sustain.
Unsustainable public deficits and debt levels, consistently below-trend GDP growth, a diminished tax base, high public spending and continued growth in demand for public services have placed the UK into an unsustainable position. Understanding how we got here and recognising the scale of the challenge is essential to inform policy makers, legislators, opinion formers and the public debate.
UK economic growth collapsed in 2008, and its trend rate of growth has not recovered, contributing to the fiscal crisis, social stagnation, public dissatisfaction and political instability. Raising growth rates is the common aim across the West yet
almost twenty years on the solution still evades the major European economies. Can current policies meet the challenge? Is a more fundamental reappraisal
required?
Realising the economic potential of the North isn’t about Westminster political calculations to win back the red wall, it is about creating productive economies in the North and enhancing opportunities for employment and investors alike. With public funds under strain, the North needs to attract far more private capital for productive purposes if it is to realise its potential.
Overall, housing in the UK represents one of the most consistent areas of policy.
Asset price inflation has created wealth for older generations and reduced
opportunity for younger ones. It lies at the heart of numerous social, political and economic problems. Transforming the UK’s housing market requires more competition, an opening up of the land, and the expansion of existing cities.
UK foreign policy has been clear and decisive on Ukraine, but elsewhere it has been less sure of itself. The loss of DfID has blunted its policy to Africa, conflict resolution and the SDGs; its reset with the EU could blunt its ability to find its own voice. Good analysis and the freedom to speak it are key to a successful foreign policy.
Policy Brief is designed to provide decision makers and advisers across governments, parliaments, public services, business, industry and finance with informed analysis on the major issues and policy decisions facing the UK.
Providing sharper insight, for smarter policy, for stronger outcomes.
Getting the right policy outcomes requires better analysis — as well as fresh ideas. Policy Brief does both. It provides additional analysis from experts to help you make the right decisions and new ideas for policy and initiatives that will deliver better outcomes for all. This is needed at every level of Government, whether UK, devolved or local.
Turning Northern challenges into opportunities through analysis and insight.
If there is a crisis of delivery at the national level, that is true regionally too — and
exacerbated by lack of resources. Policy Brief’s Northern focus is designed to help you to develop and implement policies to transform northern city regions while our regional reports will identify regional policy issues for Whitehall. Policy Brief is designed for decision makers in the regions, not just Whitehall and Westminster.
Informing stakeholders outside Government; bringing their insights to Government.
Getting the UK back in business — across all its regions — is a necessity. What that looks like is something that needs spelling out, sector by sector, issue by issue —
and often region by region, by business as well as by external analysts. Policy Brief is a place to do that. It is your bridge to Government.
Equipping you with the analyses needed to better understand the issues.
This site makes available all our publications on specialist areas to anyone who is
interested in understanding the issues we cover. Articles are written at sufficient length to allow for depth, yet short enough to remain accessible to the general reader. Informing the general reader is equally important as engaging with policy makers. Policy Brief is for you too.
Anyone is welcome to engage with the editorial team: just drop us a line with your comments, thoughts and ideas: contact@policybrief.org
The earliest years of life shape every outcome that follows. Yet too often, investment in early years education, health, and family support is fragmented, underfunded, or overlooked. This campaign makes the case for bold, joined-up action: putting the first years of life at the heart of policy, finance, and delivery.
Development has slipped from the front pages — crowded out by crisis management, security tensions, and short-term politics. But the stakes are too high to ignore. The world cannot afford a lost decade for growth, opportunity, and poverty reduction
What they see, what they challenge, and why it matters…
Senior Fellow in Public Policy
Former advisor to the Cabinet Office and award-winning author of Reimagining Public Trust in Government.
Economic Analyst & Regional Development Specialist
Led regeneration projects across the North of England and served on the UK Economic Recovery Taskforce.
Director of European Affairs, Institute for Strategic Dialogue
Regular commentator for BBC World News and architect of several EU resilience frameworks.
Senior Advisor on Security & International Relations
UN Peacebuilding consultant and lead researcher on post-conflict governance in the Middle East.
From 1992-2012 Roderick Crawford directed Parliamentary Brief with great style and effect. Policy Brief has the capacity to illuminate the issues in British politics in a decisive way
Policy Brief offers reliable and carefully researched policy analysis in a marketplace dominated by narrow Westminster interests. In Roderick Crawford clients work with the former editor of Parliamentary Brief and benefit from his expertise on economic policy, social policy, the North, and UK-EU relations.
When I was trying to draw attention to the potential ill-effects of children’s changing lifestyles on their physical and mental health, it was difficult to interest either press or politicians. Roderick Crawford saw the merit in my work and not only gave me a platform but published a series of articles on childhood issues.
We'll keep you updated on all our news. You can subscribe anytime. Just email editor@policybrief.org
