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In episode 2 of Gerrin’ On Wi’ It, Andy Mycock talks with Dr Peter O’Brien, Executive Director of Yorkshire Universities, about how collaboration is shaping the future of Yorkshire and the Humber.

Peter reflects on the unique partnership between the region’s 12 universities, their work with local and combined authorities, and the remarkable journey since signing the 2021 Memorandum of Understanding which laid the groundwork for major initiatives like the Yorkshire and Humber Policy and Engagement Network (Y-PERN) and the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP). Peter identifies that the diverse landscape of Yorkshire is bound together by a strong sense of identity which creates a basis for shared purpose and shared agendas.

Together they discuss what effective collaboration looks like, why trust and communication matter, and how shared regional identity helps Yorkshire speak with one voice.

Peter also looks ahead to the challenges and opportunities for the sector, including sustaining this work, strengthening connections with communities and policymakers, and ensuring universities continue to play a meaningful civic role in the region.

“Gerrin’ on wi’ it” is a podcast series brought to you by YPIP, Y-PERN and the Leeds University Business school’s Research and Innovation podcast about collaboration in Yorkshire and the Humber which showcases the people, partnerships, and ideas driving collaborative change across the region. The title – a Yorkshire phrase meaning “getting on with it” – captures the spirit of practical, no-nonsense collaboration that characterises the region’s approach to tackling complex challenges. 

Hosted by Dr Andy Mycock and Paul Hayes, the series explores how universities, local authorities, combined authorities, and communities work together to address shared priorities – from economic growth and early years education to community wellbeing and regional development. At its heart, the podcast tells the story of Yorkshire and the Humber as England’s trailblazer for academic-policy engagement. 

Find out more about the series here

Get Involved 

Listen to “Gerrin’ on wi’ it” on Soundcloud below or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcripts of all episodes are available. Download the transcript for this episode here

If you would like to discuss an appearance on our podcast, please get in touch.

“Gerrin’ on wi’ it” is a podcast series brought to you by YPIP, Y-PERN and the Leeds University Business school’s Research and Innovation podcast about collaboration in Yorkshire and the Humber which showcases the people, partnerships, and ideas driving collaborative change across the region. The title – a Yorkshire phrase meaning “getting on with it” – captures the spirit of practical, no-nonsense collaboration that characterises the region’s approach to tackling complex challenges. 

Hosted by Dr Andy Mycock and Paul Hayes, the series explores how universities, local authorities, combined authorities, and communities work together to address shared priorities – from economic growth and early years education to community wellbeing and regional development. At its heart, the podcast tells the story of Yorkshire and the Humber as England’s trailblazer for academic-policy engagement. 

The Series 

Through conversations with researchers, policymakers, local government leaders, and community advocates, “Gerrin’ on wi’ it” unpacks the reality of collaborative working. Guests share candid reflections on what works, what doesn’t, and what they’d do differently – offering practical insights for building effective partnerships. 

The series features voices behind major regional initiatives including the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN) and the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP), born from a 2021 memorandum of understanding between Yorkshire Universities and Yorkshire & Humber Councils. 

Guests include Professor Joe Cook discussing Hull’s community-first research model, Dr Dan Olner on his embedded role within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Kate Macdonald on enabling community voice, Kersten England CBE reflecting on decades of local government leadership, and Dr Peter O’Brien exploring how Yorkshire’s 12 universities collaborate with a shared regional mission. Throughout, the focus remains on real examples, lived experiences, and the practical challenges of bringing together stakeholders with different cultures, incentives, and pressures. 

About the Hosts 

Dr Andy Mycock is Chief Policy Fellow for Y-PERN, Cross-Programme Lead for the University Policy Engagement Network, and an elected trustee of the Political Studies Association, with extensive experience collaborating with stakeholders across the region, UK and internationally. 

Paul Hayes is Senior Policy Engagement Fellow at Leeds University Business School and was formerly corporate policy manager at Wakefield Council and policy lead for the Key Cities Group. 

Get Involved 

Listen to “Gerrin’ on wi’ it” on Soundcloud below or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcripts of all episodes are available. Download the transcript for this episode here

If you would like to discuss an appearance on our podcast, please get in touch.

On November 27th, Y-PERN Policy Fellow Dan Olner delivered an engaging webinar for ONS Local, attracting 120 participants interested in learning how to build efficient data pipelines using R.

What Was Covered

The session provided a comprehensive walkthrough of creating an end-to-end data pipeline in R, demonstrating how to:

• Get set up with R and RStudio online
• Use R to extract data directly from web sources
• Create pipelines through to final outputs
• Access and integrate multiple web-based data sources, including online Excel documents, the NOMIS API, and zipped file archives
• Wrangle and transform data for analysis
• Deal with inevitable format changes

Webinar participants learned how to create a report analysing productivity, jobs, and occupations across the UK’s core cities- showcasing R’s capabilities for producing professional content and insights.

Resources Available

The complete step-by-step slides are now available online.

For those seeking a more comprehensive introduction to R, materials the slides and recording from Dan’s last session provide an excellent foundation.

Dan Olner is a Y-PERN Policy Fellow from the University of Sheffield who has been seconded into South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) to work alongside their officers.

We asked Dan to provide details of his work over the past few years during Y-PERN and SYMCA’s collaboration for a case study and to reflect on working within the Combined Authority and the success of an “embedded Policy Fellow model”.

DO “Being physically embedded in SYMCA’s Sheffield office has enabled a high level of day-to-day collaboration with policy teams. This has enabled a shift from thinking (somewhat patronisingly) about universities “transmitting expertise” into policy spaces to working alongside officers (who are themselves experts in their domains) to co-produce analysis and questions that support decision-making.

Physical presence and regular contact within SYMCA have been crucial. This has meant analysis can be shaped iteratively through conversations with officers, rather than being commissioned at a distance and delivered months later. As one fellow put it, “the policy environment changes massively faster than academia”. Being embedded allows us to work at that pace and adjust as priorities shift.

The following point is both a reason the embedded model is effective and also a challenge for it. The number of stakeholders is very large: SYMCA, four local authorities, two universities, consultants and other external organisations all bring different ideas, agendas and timelines. Y-PERN may have initially tried to position its fellows as brokers in this system, but the role is messier than that. It might be that Y-PERN Policy Fellows can act as bridges across academia and policy, but it is more likely that we are playing one small part in a larger process of dissolving the barriers between institutions in devolving regions, enabling more iterative and rapid “test and learn” collaboration.

This can make it difficult to clearly see what impact that role is having. For example, we organised some ‘policy forums’ with SYMCA and Sheffield’s universities. The first, in February 2024, focused on alternative approaches to urban economic development “Beyond GDP”, and how they are being interpreted and implemented in different city contexts. The session, led by Sheffield Hallam University colleague Richard Crisp, sparked a rich discussion about which concepts might actually work at a South Yorkshire scale. I summarised these themes in a blog post, linking national and international debates directly to local concerns. Those were an easy to measure outcome – but actually, I don’t think an especially a good example of Y-PERN doing what it does best.

Instead, consider these two examples from the last two weeks. A colleague from Sheffield University got in touch asking if anyone from SYMCA could guest lecture to their economics students. Not one but two senior SYCMA colleagues came. I also had a conversation with the deputy director of What Works Local Growth, who has a draft plan to deepen the links between data and evaluation. I collected them with various people, including the Yorkshire Engagement Portal run through YPIP.

Those kind of constant day-to-day interactions and linkages have a large impact but are rather under the radar. They also lead directly to more data and model outcomes – for example, a recent conversation with SYMCA’s GIS team should lead to Y-PERN-developed open economic data outputs being integrated into SYMCA’s own internal intelligence systems, in a way that will support Y-PERN in making it outputs as useful as possible to others.”

Read more about Dan’s embedded Policy Fellow role in our case study

A recent webinar hosted by Carole Pugh from York St John University and Charlee Bewsher from the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Youth Work Unit has explored the critical role of youth work in preparing young people for political citizenship as the roll out of Votes at 16 is developed.

This one-off event was specifically designed to influence policy makers during this crucial period of democratic reform.

Key Focus Areas

The webinar highlighted important research findings about youth work’s unique contribution to democratic education. With approximately 4.4 million young people engaging in youth work activities each year, many from under-resourced areas who are less likely to vote or participate in formal citizenship lessons, the session made a compelling case for integrating youth work into Votes at 16 implementation strategies.

The presentation demonstrated how youth work equips young people for political citizenship and emphasised the need for an integrated approach that values youth work’s distinctive ability to support political socialisation alongside formal citizenship education.

Barriers and Recommendations

The webinar also examined current barriers that limit youth work’s capacity in this area and outlined practical recommendations to advance the democratic potential of youth work practice.

Following the main presentation, former Y-PERN Chief Policy Fellow and now Cross-Programme Lead for Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN) Dr Andrew Mycock and Charlee Bewsher provided responses to the research findings.

Access the Resources

View the notes by Studio Noodle here | Watch the webinar

A collaborative team at the University of Sheffield and University of York and completed an evaluation of City of York Council’s (CYC) Universal Free School Meal (UFSM) pilot.

This policy brief is co written by Y-PERN Policy Fellow Rebecca Kerr and Aniela Wenham, Katherine Smith, John Hudson,
Eloise Tann, Louise Dye & Neil Boyle.

Qualitative and quantitative data indicates a number of positive outcomes associated with the provision of UFSMs at both schools, including enhanced readiness to learn, improved pupil wellbeing, and most notably improved attendance and reduced lateness over the course of the pilot. The importance of universality to the success of the policy is emphasised by both qualitative and quantitative elements of the research. 

Read more about the Universal Free School Meal pilot in Rebecca Kerr’s blog Evaluating City of York Council’s Universal Free School Meals

When Protection Meets Destitution: Understanding Refugee Homelessness

Written by Y-PERN Policy Fellow Pratichi Chaterjee and fellow University of Huddersfield colleague Professor of Housing and Communities Phil Brown.

Homelessness among newly recognised refugees is accelerating at a rate that should alarm anyone working in housing, migration or local government. Our report explains why – and what can be done about it.

The report reveals how national asylum and immigration policies intersect with a failing housing system to create predictable pathways into destitution at the very moment people need stability and support. We trace the structural forces driving this crisis, focusing on the critical post-decision period that remains largely invisible in public debate.

The evidence is stark. In Yorkshire and Humber, statutory homelessness among new refugees surged by over 170% in a single year.

But this is not a story of overwhelming numbers. It is a story of systemic design failure: abrupt move-on deadlines, fragmented institutional responsibilities, welfare gaps, employment barriers, and entrenched discrimination in the rental market.

The Real Problem

Some will argue the solution is fewer asylum grants. The evidence points elsewhere. Refugee homelessness stems from how the system operates, not how many people it processes. Short transition windows, misaligned immigration and housing procedures, chronic underinvestment in social housing, and a rental market under acute pressure combine to manufacture crisis. Reducing refugee recognition will not build a single home or ease the burden on local authorities. What changes outcomes is coordinated planning, early intervention, and dismantling barriers to employment and housing.

Why Now

We are publishing this work because local authorities, support services and communities face converging pressures: unprecedented demand, austerity’s enduring damage, severe housing shortages, and rising hostility toward asylum seekers. Without clarity about where the system fails and where prevention is achievable, these trends will intensify.

This report offers a rigorous analysis of the transition points that determine outcomes. It identifies where coordinated action is most urgent and proposes practical reforms that would reduce homelessness, strengthen integration, and deliver a more humane and effective approach across the UK.

View the report: Navigating Statutory Homelessness Support: Impacts of Asylum and Refugee Policy

Y-PERN, working alongside York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA), has produced a detailed labour market analysis to inform regional economic priorities and strategic planning.

The analysis demonstrates that productivity in York and North Yorkshire ranks among the highest in northern England. Unemployment rates remain below the national average, while business density surpasses the typical English measure, though overall business growth remains modest.

Key sectors shaping the regional economy include agriculture, which has a concentration over four times that of the national figure, and accommodation and food services, where employment stands at 1.5 times the national average. The region exhibits high qualification levels, reflecting a well-educated workforce. However, a clear skills mismatch persists, as the supply of highly skilled individuals outweighs the availability of highly skilled roles, leading to employee underutilisation.

This work is published alongside data which underpins the local growth plan and is included within the region’s Get Britain Working report.

Read the report here.

This news item was first published on the Leeds Arts website.

Recent BA (Hons) Animation and MA Animation graduate, Kieran Leppington, was commissioned by Y-PERN (Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network), after winning a cross-institutional brief with the Careers, Employability and Enterprise team at Leeds Arts University, Leeds Beckett University, and the University of Leeds, to create an animation infographic that tells the story of the devolution of Yorkshire.

Y-PERN commissioned Kieran to create a three-minute engaging and dynamic animation outlining devolution in Yorkshire which is now being used as a tool to demystify the region’s complex political landscape on Y-PERN’s resources page.

Watch the video >

Y-PERN – The Story of Devolution

“It has been an honour to help demystify the local, collaborative policymaking in our region using the accessibility of animation. I am so grateful to the team at Y-PERN, University of Leeds, Leeds Arts University and Leeds Beckett University for entrusting me with this project and offering tons of creative freedom and support. Translating high level information into concise, appealing visuals was a fun challenge, and I hope to bring the skills and adaptability I’ve gained to further projects in the future.”

Kieran Leppington, BA (Hons) Animation and MA Animation graduate

“The brief was complex, we needed someone who could take this challenging information and bring it to life. Make it comprehensive, engaging and relevant to its audience. Kieran did this with professionalism and added a little of his flare! He has a real talent, he was an absolute pleasure to work with. He researched the brief and fully delivered to our needs and on time. Kieran required little support and worked alongside the wider Leeds Beckett and Y-PERN team to deliver what is a perfect asset and will act as a knowledge sharing tool, marking this moment within the policy landscape.”

Natalie Allen, Head of Business Partnerships at Leeds Beckett University

Kieran’s animation is available to academics, policy makers, and the general public, so that it’s accessible for everyone to learn how local authorities are pooling resources and leveraging devolved powers to drive regional growth and address unique local challenges, such as coastal erosion in Hull, to integrated transport across West Yorkshire.

The Yorkshire & Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network brought together 200 delegates at the University of Huddersfield for our most ambitious conference yet, showcasing how devolution is creating unprecedented opportunities for academic-policy collaboration across our region.

Devolution: A Game-Changer for Yorkshire

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin opened the conference with a powerful message about the region’s potential: “Our 12 fantastic higher education institutions are working hand-in-glove with our innovative businesses to forge our own future.” Her words set the tone for a day focused on how devolved powers are transforming the relationship between universities, local government, and business.

The morning’s first roundtable brought together heavyweight voices including Dave Petley (University of Hull VC and Chair of Yorkshire Universities), Stian Westlake (Executive Chair of the Economic and Social Research Council), Kate Josephs (CEO of Sheffield City Council), and Mark Casci (Head of Policy and Representation at West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce).

Kate Josephs captured the moment perfectly: “What devolution offers is a new opportunity for universities partnering with local governments, with regional governments, with businesses, with other educational institutions to really start to weave together a programme of research that can be practical, that can change things and that have even greater impact.”

Watch the conference highlights video

Real-World Collaboration in Action

The second session, chaired by Natalie Allen from Leeds Beckett University, demonstrated how our network is already turning theory into practice. With speakers including Peter O’Brien from Yorkshire Universities, Kate Mieske from South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Dr. Jatinder Singh Mehmi from the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, and Robin Tuddenham from Calderdale Council, the session highlighted the significance of place-based partnerships in driving meaningful policy change.

Tackling Regional Challenges Together

Our interactive workshops proved to be the conference’s most dynamic element, with stakeholders collaborating on pressing issues including:

• Early years and childcare provision
• Community engagement strategies
• Business support frameworks
• Housing security challenges

These sessions demonstrated Y-PERN’s core strength: bringing together the right people to tackle complex regional challenges with evidence-based solutions.

Looking to the Future

The closing panel, “Where Next? The Future of Regional Policy Engagement,” brought together Kersten England CBE (our Engagement Director), Sarah Chaytor (Co-Founder of UPEN), Prof. Rebecca Riley (Co-Director of City-REDI), Jon Gleek from Doncaster Council, and our own Programme Manager Kayleigh Renberg-Fawcett.

The panel emphasized how Y-PERN harnesses the expertise of Yorkshire’s 15,000 academics to tackle local challenges while exploring how our regional model could inform engagement strategies both regionally and nationally.

Celebrating Our Impact

The conference showcased Y-PERN’s proven track record, highlighting successful initiatives including the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP) and Yorkshire & Humber Office for Data Analytics (YHODA). These examples demonstrate our network’s ability to create lasting institutional innovations that deliver real benefits for our region.

We’re proud to share that our recently published Impact Report showcases three years of collaboration between Yorkshire and the Humber’s universities and policymakers that has transformed evidence-based decision-making across our region.

Building Yorkshire’s Future Together

The success of our 2025 conference reinforces Y-PERN’s vital role in advancing research-informed policy development throughout Yorkshire and the Humber. As we continue to fulfil our commitments outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding between Yorkshire Universities and Yorkshire and Humber Councils, we’re building a stronger, more collaborative future for our region.

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We would like to extend a huge thank you for all the speakers and delegates for joining us at Y-PERN 2025.