In the second session of the Walker Institute’s training, we moved beyond theory and into the practical realities of policy engagement. The session began with a warm welcome and a reminder that this course is about more than just learning—it’s about building a community where our voices and experiences matter. We revisited foundational tools which helped us think more strategically about who we need to engage with and how.
A highlight was the guest talk by Dr. Pete Falloon from the Met Office, who shared his experience working on climate resilience in UK food systems. His insights brought to life how science can meaningfully inform policy when approached collaboratively.
The session’s core focused on understanding the policy landscapes we each work in. We explored the AIIM Matrix in more depth and introduced the 3i Analysis to assess stakeholder interest, influence, and impact. We also examined the concept of the “enabling environment”—the broader systems that can support or hinder change—and learned about the ICECCAP framework for integrating climate science with community voices.
Group activities gave us space to apply these tools to our own projects and think critically about what we need to achieve impact. We closed with a reflection on our roles within these systems and looked ahead to Session 3, where we’ll explore power dynamics and ethical engagement.
Session 3 is coming on 18th June, and momentum is building!
📍 Organised by the Walker Institute, University of Reading
🔗 Learn more: Engaging With Decision Makers | Walker Academy