How We Work

Our Partnership Offer

Insights

Evidence-based actionable analysis

We provide demand-led analytical support that gives you timely access to evidence and expert insight. Our approach is built on trusted relationships that allow us to engage early in policy development, so we can have the greatest impact on decisions.

To deliver actionable insights, we’ve developed practical tools like our ‘Defining the Challenge’ workshops. These bring together policymakers, decision makers, academics, and other experts to agree on clear parameters and priorities for emerging policy challenges.

We work across two modes:

Rapid Response

Rapid Response draws on existing research to deliver quick insights for short-term opportunities or new interventions.

Deep Dive

Deep Dive projects emphasise co-creation, balancing policy pragmatism with academic rigour to develop evidence-based recommendations that can genuinely be implemented.

Key activities: defining the challenge workshops, policy blogs and briefs, evidence synthesis

TRANSFORM

LONG-TERM SYSTEM-WIDE TRANSFORMATION

Transform complements our demand-driven insights by giving policymakers space to step back from delivery and consider the deep-seated underlying drivers that the region needs to tackle. This is where we identify game-changing opportunities setting the course for a distinctively North East approach to future policy.

Improving outcomes requires coordination across health systems, housing, education, transport, and local economies. Yet the institutional arrangements governing these sectors often operate in isolation or even work against each other, limiting the ability to pursue shared goals. Community organisations, despite their long-term presence and legitimacy, can be invisible in these conversations.

We use evidence to build cross-system alignment and support place-based transformation. Our Transform work connects the dots between sectors, brings community voices into the conversation, and draws on international learning through our Global Insights Council – a new network of global associates that will help us to access the best evidence and examples from around the world.

Key activities: events programme, connecting community engagement expertise, supporting Areas of Research Interest, place-based pilots and test-beds, research funding proposals, Global Insights Council

NETWORKS

BUILDING REGIONAL CAPACITY

Networks are a crucial foundation of our work, bringing together organisations, people, and expertise with a shared commitment to strengthening evidence-informed policymaking.

North East Policy Evidence Network

The new North East Policy Evidence Network (NEPEN) will connect partners across academia, government, health, and the voluntary and business sectors to create a more collaborative regional policy evidence ecosystem.

Working through a flexible, opt-in model, the network will build on existing knowledge mobilisation capacity to strengthen how evidence is generated, shared, and applied. NEPEN will curate evidence across the system, support the development of skills for evidence-informed policymaking, and enable collaborative responses to shared regional challenges.

Key activities: network coordination, evidence curation, skills development, collaborative responses to regional challenges

INE Associates

Our Associates programme is a growing network of colleagues from across the North East, spanning universities, government, health, and the voluntary and community sector. Associates gain expanded access to our pipeline of policy challenges, with opportunities to connect these to existing research, contribute to INE projects, and co-create new work in response to regional needs.

For academics and university-based colleagues, the programme provides greater visibility among policy partners, strengthens pathways to real-world impact, and supports alignment between research and regional priorities.
For policymakers, practitioners, and VCSE professionals, it offers streamlined access to multidisciplinary evidence, connections to relevant expertise, and opportunities to shape research through frontline insight.

We run regular peer-to-peer networking events and research showcases, bringing
Associates together to build cross-sector relationships and create ongoing
opportunities for collaboration.

Key activities: networking events, research showcases, project brokerage, crosssector introductions, peer-to-peer support

Learn more about the INE Associates programme.

DataNEt

DataNEt is a vibrant community of academics and policymakers working to harness
data for better public policy. Co-created by Insights North East and the North East
Mayoral Strategic Authority, with support from the ESRC, the network brings together
experts from the Strategic Authority, local authorities, the NHS, the Office for
National Statistics, the National Innovation Centre for Data, and regional universities.

DataNEt provides a forum for knowledge exchange, learning from best practice, and
pulling in expertise to solve data challenges. A recent focus has been on AI’s potential
in policymaking by exploring AI infrastructure in local government, its ethics in public
health research, and practical applications for policy data analysis.

Key activities: networking events, workshops, data knowledge sharing, peer-to-peer
learning

Learn more about the DataNEt.

Universities Policy Engagement Network

INE is an active member of the Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN), which
operates at national level and across the UK. UPEN brings together organisations who
work to improve the use of academic evidence in public policymaking.

ADVANCE

KNOWLEDGE MOBILISATION CAPABILITY AND CAPACITY

Advance supports those already shaping policy in the region while nurturing the next generation of place-based knowledge mobilisers. We provide a structured but flexible approach to developing capability across the ecosystem: connecting academics, policymakers, practitioners, and communities, and creating opportunities to learn, collaborate, and apply evidence in practice.

We identify secondment opportunities for policy partners and run events focused on key regional priorities, strengthening the community of changemakers central to our work. We create hands-on opportunities for students and early career researchers to develop practical understanding of how policy works in real-world settings.

Working with Newcastle University’s Policy Academy, we help to build the skills, confidence, and networks of academic and professional services colleagues. In parallel, we partner with organisations supporting community and voluntary groups to extend capacity for policy engagement, ensuring that a wider range of voices and experiences can inform evidence and decision-making across the region.

Key activities: events programme, secondments, student development opportunities

We provide targeted pro bono support to address priority policy challenges in the North East.

This is complemented by a bespoke consultancy offer for organisations both within and beyond the region where additional depth or capacity is needed. We welcome conversations about your priorities and can help shape the right approach.

Every policy challenge is different, so our approach is tailored to your needs. Whether you’re exploring options at an early stage or ready to tackle a complex issue head-on, we work alongside you to bring together the right insights and expertise.

Here’s how:

1. Scanning the Horizon

You’ve identified a policy challenge and need to explore your options.

Even if your thinking is at an early stage, we can help. Whether you’re trying to understand the root causes of a problem, explore what’s worked elsewhere, or identify regional implications, our team is continuously horizon-scanning for opportunities to support evidence-informed policy.

2. Initial Exploration

We meet to understand your challenge and how we might help.

In this conversation, we'll explore what evidence you've already gathered, your timelines, who else needs to be involved, and your capacity to collaborate. We'll also look at how we might break down complex challenges into manageable areas of inquiry.

3. Mapping the Route

We identify whether INE can support your project.

We progress with projects that have a North East dimension, potential for actionable insights, align with university expertise, and have genuine demand from policy partners. Following our initial exploration, we'll provide options for you to consider.

4. Choosing your approach

We offer two response modes, which work together and are tailored to your needs:

• Rapid Response – Quick insights for urgent questions.
• Deep Dive – In-depth exploration of complex challenges.

Where challenges overlap with an area of focus in our Transform work, we convene partners and draw together findings to address interconnected issues.

5. Building your evidence Base

We curate insights from multiple sources.

Drawing on academic research, practitioner expertise, lived experience, and our network of over 100 INE Associates, we bring together an evidence mosaic that's relevant to your specific context. We can also connect you to the North East Data Network (DataNEt) when data expertise is needed.

6. Actionable Insights

We co-produce recommendations that align with your levers for change.

We work with you to test and iterate recommendations, identifying interventions that can be practically delivered, then supporting with dissemination and engagement.