Austerity, the further devolution of powers, and issues such as an ageing population, climate change, and Brexit are all important conditions and events leading to uncertainty, instability and an unprecedented situation in Welsh policy and politics. These issues affect how and why policy is made and services are delivered.
Held in partnership with the Wales Centre for Public Policy (WCPP) at Swansea University, this one-day WISERD event brought academics together with representatives from Welsh Government and civil society to discuss these issues, current and future practices, and opportunities for Welsh policy and politics.
The day comprised three panel sessions and discussions around the themes of: knowledge and evidence in Wales and its role in policy-making; theories and methods in policy change: a Welsh and devolved perspective and the future of policy and politics in Wales. Presentation slides are available to view on the WCPP website.
There was also a lunchtime ‘in conversation’ session with Professor Jo Hunt and Dr Hugh Rawlings from Cardiff University discussing Brexit, the devolution of new powers to Wales, and the role that various Welsh policy stakeholders – government, the legislative powers, civil society and universities – can play (watch the videos below).
Dr Matthew Wall, Associate Professor in Politics at Swansea University and Director of the WISERD Politics and Governance Research Network, said: “I was delighted with the way that Welsh Policy and Politics in Unprecedented Times came together. I was particularly impressed with the large number of organisations and practitioners who joined and participated.
“One of the goals of the network is to bring academic researchers together with key stakeholders in the Welsh policy community. This conference delivered in spades on that objective. I would like to offer my thanks to the Wales Centre for Public Policy, as well as colleagues at WISERD and Swansea University for making the event a success.”
Agenda and abstract booklet
Devolution and Brexit – ‘in conversation’ with Professor Jo Hunt and Dr Hugh Rawlings:
Part 1 – Professor Jo Hunt
Part 2 – Dr Hugh Rawlings
Professor Jo Hunt and Dr Hugh Rawlings give an overview of their ‘in conversation’ discussion:
Dr Matthew Wall, Associate Professor in Politics at Swansea University and Director of the WISERD Politics and Governance Research Network praises the event, and it’s outcomes:
Twitter moment:
Welsh Policy and Politics in Unprecedented Times #UnprecedentedWales