Policy Guides
Our new Policy Guides series will provide clear explanations and practical suggestions for how ecologists and others can engage with policymaking.
The BES Policy Guide Approach
We are committed to making the best scientific evidence accessible to decision-makers. However, policymaking processes are rarely straightforward, and scientists can struggle to know when and how to effectively communicate their knowledge.
Our Policy Guides provide an accessible resource on legislative and policy formulation processes across the UK and internationally, as well as targeted information on topical policies. We aim to improve communication between members and policymakers, increase the impact of ecological research and support evidence-informed policymaking.
Policy Guide content is developed by members, supported by staff and experts from the relevant fields. The guides also undergo a robust review process to ensure clarity, neutrality, quality and consistency. We are always looking for BES members to contribute to Policy Guides. Contact Brendan Costelloe, Policy Manager to get involved, or download more information below.
Our Policy Guides
Ecologists and Policy
June 2020
(6 MB pdf)
This ‘Ecologists and Policy’ guide provides an introduction to why ecologists should engage with policy and highlights avenues for ecologists to, both within the BES and the wider UK policy landscape.
The lead author of this Policy Guide was BES Policy Assistant Tiffany Ki, with help from BES Policy Manager Brendan Costelloe and the BES Policy Committee.
Scottish Policy Guide 1: An Introduction to Policymaking in Scotland
May 2019
(278 KB pdf)
Our first Policy Guide for Scotland, written by BES – Scottish Policy Group member Anna Deasey, with help from SPG committee members Ruth Mitchell, Juliette Young and Jessica Hogan, provides an introduction to Scotland’s political system and, by using examples, explains the policy making process.
Policy Guide 1: An Introduction to Policymaking in the UK
May 2017
(3 MB pdf)
Our first Policy Guide, written by BES members Rory O’Connor, Beccy Wilebore and Miriam Grace, provides an introduction to the policymaking process, focusing on the UK Government and Parliament, how policies are developed and the difference between policy and legislation.
Policy Guide 2: How does science inform the UK Parliament?
October 2017
(842 KB pdf)
Our second Policy Guide focuses on the structure, function and purpose of the UK Parliament, highlighting the different channels through which science can inform its work. It discusses four main routes: Select Committees, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, All-Party Parliamentary Groups, and the House of Commons and Lords libraries.
Policy Guide 3: How does science inform the UK Government?
April 2018
(1 MB pdf)
Our third Policy Guide provides an introduction to the structure of the UK Government, focusing on the various bodies within and across departments that use and provide scientific evidence. It also offers advice on how researchers can engage government with their expertise.