Shaping Public Policy

Cardiff University will head-up a consortium of research organisations and think tanks to run the Public Policy Institute for Wales, First Minister Carwyn Jones has announced.

A network of experts from research groups based in Aberystwyth, Bangor, South Wales, Liverpool and Swansea universities will work alongside Cardiff University and think tanks The Bevan Foundation, the Institute of Welsh Affairs and Wales Public Services 2025.

The Welsh Public Policy Institute is a Programme for Government commitment with the aim of guiding the reform and improvement of public services.

The First Minister said that the makeup of the institute ensures that the Welsh Government is making the best use of the expertise in Wales and beyond to ensure high-quality, strategic policy making.

First Minister, Carwyn Jones said: "It is important that policy making in Wales is able to draw on the widest range of advice and knowledge to improve public services."

"This partnership will capture the expertise that exists outside Government, and will support the Government in identifying strategic cross-cutting priorities."

Professor Colin Riordan, Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, said: "I am delighted that Cardiff has been selected to lead the Public Policy Institute. This important new initiative is testimony to the university's strength in public policy research and its commitment to helping improve public services in Wales".

The Institute will operate through a small hub of permanent staff led by a Director who will co-ordinate a network of academic and other bodies to be commissioned according to their subject expertise.

The Welsh Government has asked Professor Steve Martin, Cardiff Business School, to take on the role of the Director in an interim capacity.  The Institute will be launched in the Autumn.