Policy Insights Unit

The Policy Insights Unit (PIU) is a government team that helps civil servants develop analysis, ideas and advice for policy.

We operate like an in-house consultancy, delivering bespoke projects for colleagues across government on a cost-recovery basis.

Our work is led by experienced officials and draws on academic, industry and wider expert insight where useful. We have 4 university partners - Brunel, Lancaster, Surrey and York - and work with experts in the UK and internationally.

What we offer

We support government departments and arm’s-length bodies at different stages of the policy cycle. Our projects usually last between 3 and 12 months and can include:

• Analysis and ideas - translating complex research and evidence into clear insights and practical advice
• Policy development - working alongside teams to develop proposals that reflect evidence, expert insight and practical constraints
• Expert engagement - identifying and engaging experts through interviews, workshops, seminars and other events

We agree each project with the customer, tailoring the approach, outputs, timeframe and cost to the policy challenge.

How we work

We can help teams to:

• understand the evidence base for a policy area
• draw on academic, industry and wider expert insight
• develop policy options and advice
• test assumptions and explore practical constraints
• produce reports, briefings, workshops or other outputs to support decision-making

Our work can include expert interviews, workshops, research synthesis, original analysis, options development and policy advice.

Commissioning PIU

PIU is part of the Civil Service, so departments and public bodies can commission us without a lengthy procurement process.

To get started, email us with a short outline of your project or the support you need. We will arrange a conversation to understand your requirements and discuss whether PIU is the right service to support you.

In some cases, it can take as little as a week to scope and agree work.