Independent Policy Impact Assessment of Research Influence

York St John University (YSJ) is preparing to procure specialist support to deliver an Independent Policy Impact Assessment of Research Influence.
The University wishes to commission an independent assessment of the impact of research undertaken at York St John University which has subsequently been cited within domestic and international policy frameworks.

The purpose of the assessment is to evaluate the influence of this research and provide an evidence-based review of the resulting social, health, educational and economic impacts arising from policy adoption and implementation.
This pre-market engagement exercise is intended to inform the development of a future procurement and ensure that any Invitation to Tender (ITT) reflects current best practice, innovation and market capability.
Indicative scope of requirement
While requirements continue to be refined, the University anticipates that the appointed partner will support:
- Review and assessment of identified policy documents and associated research outputs.
- Development and application of an appropriate methodology to assess policy influence and downstream impacts.
- Evaluation of social, health, educational and economic effects arising from research-informed policy outcomes.
- Production of an independent report detailing findings, methodology, evidence sources and conclusions.
- Stakeholder engagement, where appropriate, to substantiate impact claims and evidence pathways to impact.
The University is particularly interested in hearing from organisations and consultants with demonstrable experience of policy impact assessment within the UK and European policy environments and experience of evaluating the impact of university-led research.
Purpose of this engagement
This pre-market engagement exercise is designed to:
- Test the University's current assumptions about delivery approach and scope.
- Understand what represents standard practice in policy impact assessment and evaluation.
- Identify innovative approaches, tools and methodologies emerging in the market.
- Explore delivery models appropriate to the UK Higher Education context.
- Understand indicative pricing models and likely costs associated with delivery.
- Ensure any eventual ITT reflects practical, implementable and market-aligned requirements.
The University is particularly interested in understanding available methodologies, supplier capability, indicative delivery timescales and expected costs associated with conducting an independent assessment of research impact on public policy. Insights gathered will directly inform the final specification and procurement approach.
Engagement activities
During the engagement period, the University may:
•Invite suppliers to submit written responses or position statements
•Hold market engagement sessions or one-to-one discussions
•Request demonstrations of relevant methodologies, frameworks or tools
Participation is entirely voluntary and will not influence any future procurement evaluation.
How to participate
As part of this pre-market engagement exercise, suppliers are invited to provide responses to the following:
1. Relevant Experience
Please provide brief details of up to three comparable projects delivered within the last five years involving:
- Policy impact assessment.
- Evaluation of research influence on policy development.
- Assessment of social, economic, health or educational impacts arising from research.
2. Proposed Methodology
How would you approach the assessment of university research cited within domestic and international policy?
- What methodologies, frameworks or evaluation models would you typically apply?
- What evidence sources would you expect to utilise?
3. Delivery Approach
- What information and support would you require from the University?
- What are the key risks and dependencies associated with this type of project?
- What would you consider to be a realistic delivery timescale?
4. Expertise
- Please outline the relevant experience and qualifications of the personnel/team who would be involved in delivering the work.
- Please highlight any specific expertise relating to UK Higher Education, REF impact, UK Government policy, EU policy or public policy evaluation.
5. Indicative Pricing
- Please provide an indicative fee range for delivering the scope described within this notice. Please state the assumptions that underpin this estimate.
- If applicable, please identify alternative pricing models that may be available.
6. Market Feedback
- Are there any aspects of the proposed scope that you believe should be refined, expanded or reduced?
- What would you consider to represent industry best practice for this type of assessment?
Suppliers wishing to participate should submit their responses by email to procurement@yorksj.ac.uk with the subject line:
"PME Response - Policy Impact Assessment"
Further details regarding timelines and engagement activities will be shared with registered participants when available.
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