Policy briefs are a valuable tool for engaging with policymakers, as they provide concise, evidence-based insights to inform decision-making. A good policy brief should summarise or synthesise evidence. However, many briefs focus on new ideas rather than evidence. Even those from researchers and universities often highlight individual projects without considering broader evidence, which can lead to weak policy options and unintended consequences.
The solution is to either summarise or synthesise the broader evidence-base as part of your policy brief. One approach you can take is to conduct a Rapid Evidence Synthesis (REA). Your REA should summarise your findings as the basis for your proposed policy options, potentially including a case study based on your project or publication. It is possible to write a REA in one week of hard work, but most people would reserve a month for this task, assuming they could devote the majority of that time to the review.
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The example below is a policy brief showing the results of a REA to inform the design of post-Brexit agri-environment schemes.
Example of how evidence synthesis can be used to inform the content of a policy brief (the first two pages are shown; for the full brief visit the Resilient Dairy Landscapes project website)
Interview with Kathryn Monk
In the following video, Kathryn Monk from Collaboration for Environmental Evidence explains the use of evidence synthesis for policy impact. She discusses the methods and benefits of consolidating scientific evidence to inform policy decisions, highlighting the importance of comprehensive evidence reviews in creating effective and informed policies.
Interview with Kathryn Oliver
In this interview, Kathryn Oliver, Professor of Evidence and Policy at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, explores the intricate relationship between evidence and policy-making. She shares insights into the challenges of integrating research findings into practical policy decisions, emphasising the need for ongoing dialogue between researchers and policymakers. Oliver highlights the importance of understanding the diverse contexts in which evidence is used and the strategies for enhancing the impact and relevance of research in shaping effective policies.