Communicating geography in policy environments Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) The learned society and professional body for geography & geographers. Founded in 1830, we are a world centre for geography: supporting research, education, expeditions and fieldwork, and promoting public engagement and informed enjoyment of our world.
Communicating geography in policy environments (2) Geography in the ʻ policy environment ʼ A. What the Society does ʻ for geography ʼ • As a subject: in schools and HE (funding, status and profile) • In society: promoting and exchange of geographical knowledge • Contact network B. The importance and role of ʻ geographers ʼ • Academic research in policy ʻ Trained ʼ geographers within policy making •
Communicating geography in policy environments (3) Policy work: Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) Strategic Objective: “To promote the recognition and understanding of the relevance of geography and geographical information to policy, placing geography firmly in the debates about the future of places, environments and communities” • Monitoring: relevant policy developments – identifying risks and opportunities • Lobbying: for geography in education and research (including consultation responses) • Advocacy: briefings - how/why knowledge & expertise contributes to policy & economy • Dialogue: between government, researchers, NGOs and business on policy matters to which geography contributes (including roundtable discussions, and seminars) • Engaging: media, government and business with new policy-relevant research (using expertise)
Communicating geography in policy environments (4) What works? • Lobbying for geography - Dialogue: Recognition of part-STEM within HEFCE (and £2m awarded) • Promoting geographical knowledge - Policy documents: ʻ Migration ʼ and ʻ Drinking ʼ Controversies - Media: Annual conference – UK Manufacturing; Regeneration - Guidance: “Communicating beyond the academy...” • Importance and role of ʻ geographers ʼ : Making case with the coalition Working in government: Secondees and ʻ trained ʼ geographers - - Direct policy influence: ʻ Making the case for geography ʼ (examples…)
Communicating geography in policy environments (5) For further information about our work www.rgs.org/policy Dr Steven Toole Policy and Public Affairs Manager Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) 20 May 2010 s.toole@rgs.org
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