John reflects on the role of higher education in a fast-changing skills policy landscape, arguing that Local Skills Improvement Plans offer an opportunity to better connect employer needs with learner experience. Drawing on Yorkshire Universities LSIP roundtables, he makes the case for a more coherent skills system with graduates placed firmly at its centre.
Three Yorkshire Universities member institutions, the University of Huddersfield, the University of Sheffield and the University of York, have become inaugural members of the new Defence Universities Alliance. The Defence Universities Alliance (DUA) identifies universities with relevant expertise in teaching, research and innovation that are committed to working closely with Government to help build critical …
Kate Hainsworth sets out some thoughts on what neighbourhoods mean for Yorkshire and Humber and how higher education institutions in the region could support local communities and places.
A new report by the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN) provides a unique study of how devolution has affected relationships between Strategic Authorities (SAs) and Local Authorities (LAs) across Yorkshire and the Humber during a period of considerable political and policy change.
Understanding Impact, Building for the Future: Evaluating Y-PERN’s Phase One
Speech by Dr Peter O’Brien to the University of York and The York Policy Engine (TYPE) Catalyst Dinner, at the Guildhall, York, on Tuesday 10 February 2026. Good evening. Thank you for the opportunity to say a few words about the unique value that The York Policy Engine (TYPE) and the University of York bring …
Dr Peter O’Brien, YU Executive Director The 2025 Budget Statement, published last November, provided details on the Northern Growth Corridor. In advance of the Budget, news emerged about the appointment of Tom Riordan, as the Government’s first envoy for northern growth, who will work with Mayors, Ministers, businesses, universities and other partners to create an …
On Wednesday 14 January, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves and Secretary of State for Transport Heidi Alexander announced plans for the Northern Powerhouse Rail. Yorkshire Universities (YU) has today welcomed the announcement by Government of new investment in transport infrastructure in Yorkshire, as part of a broader economic growth plan for the North of …
Yorkshire Universities (YU) has responded to the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Growth Plan consultation and welcomes that the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority has invited public comments on the draft Plan. Read the YU response to the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Growth Plan consultation here.
On Wednesday 26 November, the Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves presented the Autumn Budget. The Budget confirmed that Government will work closely with local leaders, universities, and Northern businesses on the Northern Growth Corridor to grow the economy and attract inward investment, with a plan for the Corridor to be set out by early …