Our workshops are modular so that universities can pick exactly what they need. Modules can be tailored to the requirements of each group. We can also create fully bespoke workshops to meet most academic training needs, so just contact us if you need something different.
Our lead trainer, Kristine Pommert, is highly experienced and CIPD-qualified, with longstanding experience of designing and delivering a wide range of specialist training.
Training for the REF
All our REF workshops are highly interactive and hands-on. They provide practical take-home benefits and are tailored to each group. Further workshops will be added as the REF guidance is published and new training needs emerge.
Our lead trainer, Kristine Pommert, has a post-graduate qualification in Coaching and over 15 years’ experience as a coach. Her one-to-one REF coaching sessions are non-directive and informed by more than 12 years of working on the REF.
If what you are looking for isn’t here, please contact us – we can put together a fully bespoke workshop for you.
Current core offer
Research impact for the REF and beyond
This workshop ensures the foundations are in place for researchers and support staff involved in preparing your university’s impact submission for REF 2029.
Duration: 3 hours
Good writing for impact case studies: creating a strong narrative
For researchers who may be tasked with developing and writing an impact case study for REF 2029, as well as those supporting others with their writing.
Duration: 3 hours
Impact case study development workshops
Designed for individual UoAs or a small number of overlapping UoAs, these sessions help teams identify their strongest impact case studies and plan practical steps for developing them.
Duration: 3 hours
REF coaching
For individual academic researchers, impact champions and others who would like to work on a specific REF-related problem in a one-to-one setting.
“Excellent, very well delivered, good balance between information provision and active work.”
Participant, Anglia Ruskin University
General impact training
We help the new research generation build the skills they need to embed impact in their research projects and demonstrate the positive changes they have achieved. Our hands-on workshops help identify research beneficiaries and provide practical steps towards making impact happen.
All workshops can be tailored to individual groups, faculties or schools and can be delivered face to face or via Zoom or Teams.
Current core offer
Building research impact skills for Early Career Researchers
A highly practical introduction to impact, including how to build impact into your research design and grant applications and how to gather evidence. For ECRs who are new to the subject or want a refresher.
Duration: 3 hours
Advanced research impact for Mid-Career Researchers
A workshop with practical take-home elements for Mid-Career Researchers who have had little to do with impact in the past or need a refresher. Provides opportunities for each participant to work on their own impact.
Duration: 3 hours
“Excellent presentation, discussion and facilitation. Gave individual attention and feedback to delegates. Very good materials.”
ECR participant, London South Bank University
Getting policymakers to listen
Policymakers are often unaware of the outcomes of publicly funded research. At the same time, briefing material “thrown over the wall into Whitehall” frequently goes unread.
Understanding what it takes to influence policymakers and achieve policy impact is crucial for researchers who work in potentially relevant areas. Our workshops – designed in collaboration with a former MP – address this need.
Current core offer
Understanding policy
An introduction to how public policy is formulated and how to put your message across effectively. Aimed at researchers who are new to influencing policy.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Effective briefs for policymakers
For those who want to increase the impact of their research by briefing ministers, civil servants and/or the wider policy community. Covers the language, structure and content a policy brief needs to make an impact, with time for each participant to work on their own policy brief and receive feedback.
Duration: 3 hours
Policy brief surgeries
For researchers who have attended “Effective briefs for policymakers” and would like us to read and deliver feedback on their drafts. Surgeries are closely tailored to the needs of participating researchers.
Duration: 1 hour or as required
Engaging with Select Committees
An informal briefing by former MP Dr Nick Palmer for those who are preparing to give evidence to Select Committees or would like to gain an understanding of the process. The session can include Q&A role-plays if required.
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
“Very professional, well-run session. Great advice and insights.”
Participant, Open University
Media training
Our first-hand, longstanding experience in journalism and broadcasting means we know that world from the inside and can make sure you will be well prepared for your first interviews.
All of these workshops are tailored to meet your specific objectives and the needs of any given group.
Current core offer
Making your mark: impact through media interviews
This workshop equips participants to appear on radio or TV with confidence, with plenty of opportunity to practise, receive feedback and deal with any confidence issues. Includes tips for being interviewed on Teams or Zoom.
Duration: 3+ hours, depending on number of participants
Media skills for women academics
Academic experts speaking on radio and TV outlets are still predominantly men. This workshop is designed to equip women academics to appear in the media with self-assurance. The course provides a safe environment in which to deal with confidence issues and practise and hone media skills.
Duration: 3+ hours, depending on number of participants
Articulating your story
An introduction to writing for non-academic audiences, covering blogs and a brief introduction to policy briefs. Other forms of writing can be included for a more bespoke workshop.
Duration: 3 hours or as required
Making your mark through social media
Blogging, micro-blogging (X/Twitter) and other social media platforms can be highly effective tools for generating or supporting research impact. This workshop provides a hands-on, practical introduction, with plenty of opportunity to hone your own writing.
Duration: 3 hours
“It was all excellent. Can’t believe how brilliantly you’d prepared. Also, breaking down the process ‘behind the scenes’ was very reassuring. Handy tips, real practice, friendly!”
Participant, University of Chester
Can’t see what you’re looking for?
To discuss your training needs or find out how we can create an entirely bespoke workshop for you, contact Kristine Pommert.