CLES Policy Advice

Provides tailored advice, research, briefing and events

The CLES Policy Advice Service was launched in 2006 in response to demand from our members and clients for more tailored information, support and advice in the fields of regeneration, economic development and local governance. The Service is often delivered through relationships with organisations and through creating ideas and activities which are relevant to the policy and research needs of those organisations. There are four strands to the activities CLES can provide through CPAS:

• Tailored Policy Advice– CLES provides advice on what emerging policy agendas mean for your organisations and your localities;
• Tailored Policy Research – CLES can work with you to work up research ideas and deliver research work and case studies that are relevant to your locality and organisation;
• Tailored Events – CLES can provide bespoke training for your organisation around local economic development and regeneration which are tailored to the needs of staff. We also develop and deliver events launching research and discussing emerging policy agendas;
• Tailored Briefings – CLES provides suites of tailored briefing papers on emerging policy which can be distributed amongst your staff or membership base.

CLES has delivered nearly 100 such CPAS projects over the last five years ranging from small individual briefing papers on Local Enterprise Partnerships to large advisory projects on understanding procurement spend and impact. If you would like some tailored advice, research, events or briefings undertaken please contact Sarah Longlands, Director of Policy to discuss your needs further. Recent examples of our CPAS activities are outlined below.

Tailored Policy Advice 

Blackburn with Darwen Council – Community Cohesion and Economic Development in Pennine Lancashire

This policy advice contract sought to explore the linkages between having a cohesive community and the economic vibrancy of place. With a focus upon the six local authorities of Pennine Lancashire we explored the importance of cohesion strategically, the economic and social impact of cohesion intervention, and making the case for more considered consideration of community cohesion in economic development and other core strategy.

Tailored Policy Research 

North West Improvement and Efficiency Partnership – Developing strong links between the low carbon economy and economic development

This policy research project sought to understand exactly what is meant by the low carbon economy and how it links to the traditional functions of economic development. Through discussion groups and interviews we explored what the low carbon economy means for economic development practitioners and how local authorities in the North West are managing the transition to a low carbon economy.

Tailored Events 

Manchester City Council – Launch of procurement research

As part of wider research exploring the local economic, social and environmental impact of Manchester City Council’s procurement spend CLES developed and delivered an event to launch the key findings. The event attracted over 300 delegates from local authorities and suppliers to the Council. CLES developed the programme, organised speakers and spoke at the event.

Tailored Briefings 

INTEGREAT Yorkshire and Humber – briefing paper and events on emerging policy

In 2009 CLES was asked alongside ns+ to produce a series of briefing papers and associated events on emerging policy areas. Topics included: the sub-national review of economic development and regeneration; enterprise; the rural economy; and the low carbon economy. Each briefing paper and event was accompanied by a number of Yorkshire and Humber specific case studies.