Engaging with Decision Makers participants, trainers with the Mayor of Reading and UoR Researcher, Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles
On 23rd July 2025, the Walker Institute hosted the final session of its Engaging with Decision Makers training, marking a powerful culmination of weeks of learning, reflection, and strategic development. Facilitated by Professor Rosalind Cornforth and Dr. Celia Petty, the session brought together participants, trainers, and a panel of influential decision makers for an afternoon of deep engagement and forward-looking planning.
The session kicked off with a recap of tools and tactics introduced in earlier modules, particularly those focused on building effective engagement strategies. Participants received individual feedback on their draft plans and were guided through a comprehensive planning template adapted from Fast Track Impact. This helped them articulate their impact goals, identify key stakeholders, plan targeted activities, and assess risks and indicators for success.
A major highlight was the expert panel discussion featuring voices from government, academia, and civil society. Nikhil Kapila (DEFRA), Alice Mpofu-Coles (Mayor of Reading and University of Reading), Aashna Patel (Welsh Government), Ben Wilson (SCIAF), and Ian Wilson (Deloitte) shared candid insights into how researchers can better connect with policy makers. From simplifying complex science to understanding institutional constraints, the panel offered practical advice and answered questions in a lively Q&A session.
The afternoon shifted into reflective mode with a series of “Goldfish Bowl” discussions. Participants explored what they had learned, what surprised them, and where they felt most confident—or concerned—about their strategies. These conversations fostered peer learning and helped surface common challenges and creative solutions.
The session closed with a call to action: “Do something different.” This final reflection encouraged everyone to take bold steps forward, applying their learning to make meaningful change.
As the series wrapped up, it was clear that participants were leaving not just with plans, but with renewed confidence, clarity, and a network of support. The journey of engaging with decision makers doesn’t end here—it begins now.