The Government Office for Science reported on 29 September 2026 that it had published a toolkit to help civil servants engage with academics. The resource draws on experience from across government and brings together guidance on connecting academic expertise with policy needs, according to the office.

The toolkit covers finding relevant experts, choosing appropriate engagement approaches and building effective relationships. It sets out four principles for effective engagement: investing time in preparation, engaging early and widely, communicating clearly, and following through afterwards. A recurring theme is the value of drawing on a broad range of experts, disciplines, perspectives and experiences, which the toolkit says can improve the quality of advice and help avoid blind spots in decision-making.

Although developed primarily for civil servants, the toolkit is publicly available. The office said that by setting out how government approaches academic engagement, it can support greater understanding between policymakers, researchers and the organisations that connect them.