In this episode of Gerrin’ On Wit’ It, host Lauren Cox sits down with Kayleigh Renberg-Fawcett, Place Team Lead at the Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN), to explore the Yorkshire and Humber “Network of Networks” initiative. Together, they unpack how a growing number of academic–policy partnerships across the region are coming together to better connect research with real-world decision-making. Kayleigh explains how the initiative aims to move beyond siloed working—bringing universities, local authorities, NHS partners and more into a shared, strategic approach that strengthens evidence-informed policy across Yorkshire and Humber. The conversation dives into the origins of the Network of Networks, the key challenges identified—such as knowledge mobilisation, data sharing, and aligning research with policy needs—and the practical steps already being taken to address them. From building a regional community of practice to developing shared “Areas of Research Interest,” this episode highlights how collaboration can create greater collective impact. Lauren and Kayleigh also reflect on what it takes to make collaboration “business as usual,” discussing the importance of incentives, clear value for partners, and building on existing work rather than starting from scratch. They also tackle the long-term challenge of sustainability, exploring why lasting infrastructure and institutional memory are key to making this work stick. Whether you’re working in academia, policy, or partnership roles, this episode offers insights into how stronger connections—and a shared regional vision—can tackle complex challenges more effectively. This episode was recorded on Tuesday 14 April 2026. If you would like to get in touch, please contact contact@y-pern.org.uk. A transcript of this episode is available. Y-PERN is funded by the UKRI’s Research England Development (RED) Fund; YPIP is funded by the UKRI’s Economic and Social Research Council. About the speakers: Kayleigh is the Place Team Lead for The Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN). With over 8 years' experience on academic policy engagement initiatives, she has worked on collaborations between universities, local & combined authorities and national policy bodies to bridge research, knowledge and decision-making. Drawing on her experience as Y-PERN senior programme manager, CAPE project coordinator and UPEN network manager, Kayleigh’s expertise spans, fellowships & secondments, knowledge exchange & co-production, project & governance design, programme management, strategic planning and cross-institutional collaborations. Passionate about inclusive growth, democracy and evidenced-informed policy making, Kayleigh works to ensure academic insight translates into real world impact. Lauren is the Communications and Engagement Manager for The Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP). She has over 5 years of experience working with the voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector across Luton and Bedfordshire in roles with the local authority and within a criminal justice charity. Lauren’s career has been centred around collaboration and partnerships and facilitating spaces and environments for voices to be heard. Lauren will be joining Leeds Institute for Societal Futures in July 2026 as the External Engagement Manager. Related content / relevant links: UPEN = Universities Policy Engagement Network YPIP = Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership Y-PERN = Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network NIHR YHARC = The NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Yorkshire and Humber YHCC = Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission YU = Yorkshire Universities YH Councils – Yorkshire and Humber Councils HDRC = Health Determinant Research Collaborations Bradford HDRC North Yorkshire HDRC Doncaster HDRC Wakefield HDRC ARIs – Areas of Research Interest Knowledge Mobilisation Community of Practice
