The lost art of policy making

We’re delighted to welcome Rachael Walker, Director of Better Policy, to Blackpool for an engaging talk on what she calls “the lost art of policy making.” Drawing on her extensive experience working with local authorities, national bodies, and system‑wide reform programmes, Rachael will explore why good policy is becoming harder to deliver, yet more important than ever.

Rachael is known for her clear, practical thinking and her ability to cut through complexity. Her work highlights the real‑world consequences when policy is rushed, disconnected from lived experience, or shaped without the right evidence and collaboration. In this session, Rachael will unpack:

• Why traditional policy skills are disappearing
• What gets in the way of thoughtful, rigorous policy design
• The impact on local government, services, and communities
• How we can rebuild a healthier culture of policy making

Using examples from her own practice, including her reflections on local government reorganisation and the need for more disciplined, people‑centred policy, Rachael will offer a hopeful, constructive path forward. Attendees will gain practical insights they can apply in their own organisations, whether working in strategy, commissioning, research, transformation, or frontline delivery.

Who should join?

This session is designed for anyone involved in shaping, influencing, or delivering policy and strategy. You’ll find it particularly valuable if you work in:

• Local or central government
• Public service leadership or management
• Research, insight, or evaluation
• Strategy, commissioning, or transformation
• Community organisations or place‑based partnerships

Whether you’re an experienced policy professional or simply curious about how better policy can create better outcomes, you are warmly invited to join us.

Location

This session will take place in-person in Meeting Room 3 in the Holiday Inn. If the event has sold out or if you are unable to attend in person, you can register to receive a recording of the presentation and we will send this to you via email after the session.

Please see The Big Evidence Fortnight full programme for other sessions you might be interested in.