How (and why) write a policy article?

12 December 2011

Dr Jenni ViitanenResearch Fellow

OutlineAbout think tanks and IPPR

Think tanks as a career

Constructing a policy article

Practical exercise

Things to remember

Conclusion/ Q&A

(no time to) think, thanks

What is a think tank?

Not-for-profit independent research institute influenced by values, aims to communicate

research into practical policy: advocacy role. Sits somewhere between a university, consultancy,

(government) policy advisor and pressure group.We’re also a ‘do-tank’: practical projects,

volunteering etc.

About IPPRIPPR is the UK’s largest independent think tank – established in 1988

‘Progressive’, ‘pluralist’ and ‘centre-left’

The only Westminister-based thinktank with offices in Newcastle and Manchester

We also draw on the expertise of Associate Fellows and a Policy Advisory Council

Conduct research based on our values: social justice, democracy, environmental sustainability

Dissemination, impact/influence, policy relevance and advocacy

Areas of workPower and Politics

New Era Economics

Family, Community & Work

Migration, Trade and Development

Public Service Reform

Energy, Transport & the Environment

IPPR North: Localism Lab, Future of the Northern Economy, Creative and Capable Communities

Future career path

• Intern, Researcher, Research Fellow, Senior Research Fellow and Associate Director. Also support and specialist staff: media, external affairs, web/publications, admin & finance

• Moving on, from a thinktank, a political career could be launched (SpAd, MP), obvious non-political trajectories include academia, consultancy, civil service or media

Why should you bother?

It’s a competitive process

• Access to audience• Space to argue • Lower bar to entry • Build a profile/ CV • Influence/ ‘impact’ Ask yourself: do you care about public policy?

What is your motivation?

How to succeed?

Where to start

• A topical peg• Strong argument• Supporting evidence• A plug for your research/ previous work?• The right length – keep to word limit

Pitching – who, why, what?

Think about the audience and how to structure your argument, eg:

– Cuts are hitting northern councils hardest.– Northern councils have greatest need for £ because they deal

with worse problems.– New analysis by IPPR shows how local tax raising powers could

boost localism & counter the cuts.

You’re targeting METIS, the journal of IPPR@universities – have a look at previous volumes

Structuring your paper

• Peg• Argument• Evidence• Argument• Plug• Conclude by returning to peg / or ‘moral of the story’• Recommendations? For METIS, use sub-headings to structure the paper

Pegs that are timeless rather than topical

• Shocking fact• Powerful quote• Personal experience• Your research

It’s not one size (or style) fits all

Different types of writing strategies

• Rebuttal• Analysis behind the headlines• Counter-intuitive• Spreading the word• Look forward / preview / curtain-raiser• Look back / wrap up• Theoretical argument – only if policy implications are

evident

It takes time…

…so make time.

Start now!

Let’s get stuck in

Practical (35 mins)

• In groups of X, write a pitch which outlines your proposed article, the ‘peg’ , the ‘plug’ the main argument/s and conclusion (15-20 mins)

• Feedback (15 mins)

Ps.

Useful facts

• Submission deadline: 17 January 2012• Word limit: 1500• Style: not an academic essay, but use Harvard• Purpose: profile and feedback• Top tip 1: the clarity of your argument is key • Top tip 2: present professionally

The end.

Any questions? Please ask

Further information from ippr.manchester@gmail.com

Thanks and happy writing!