The Centre for Policy Futures at the University of Queensland and The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust have formed a partnership to increase the impact of outstanding Churchill Fellows and their findings through the Policy Impact Program (PIP).
The Policy Impact Program (PIP) identifies, curates and advocate a selection of ideas from Churchill Fellows that have the potential to shape best practice and policy reform on a variety of relevant and contemporary issues facing Australia.
In 2020, 11 Churchill Fellows were selected to join the program to work alongside leading policy analysts to assess the policy implications of their work and develop their policy ideas into an article for the annual publication Policy Futures: A Reform Agenda. In March, 2021, these Churchill Fellows were invited to the inaugural Churchill Policy Room at Parliament House in Canberra where they met with Parliamentary Ministers, policymakers and advisers to discuss their topics.
- Jennifer Bowles (VIC 2014) What can be done: Mandated residential therapeutic treatment for young people suggesting substance abuse/mental illness.
- Owen Churches (SA 2018) Fairness and accountability in the use of government decision-making algorithms.
- Jessica Cocks (NSW 2016) Families and communities matter – building a more inclusive and responsive child protection system.
- Scott Falconer (VIC 2017) Ethical collaboration and partnership – returning cultural fire to country in Victoria.
- Megan Gilmour (ACT 2016) Systemising school connection for seriously sick kids
- Steven Harrison (TAS 2015) Changing senior secondary school culture to enhance vocational education and training outcomes and pathways with industry.
- Natalia Krysiak (NSW 2018) Design and policy for child-friendly high-density living.
- Taryn Lane (VIC 2017) Models for community-led transitions to zero-net emissions.
- Katrina Marson (ACT 2018) Ignorance is not innocence: safeguarding sexual wellbeing through relationships and sex education.
- Claire Seppings (VIC 2015) An innovative approach to the recidivism dilemma through the expertise of ex-offenders.
- Katherine Webber (QLD 2018) Prioritising public toilet policy and planning to improve access and inclusion in public places.
The rigorous selection process of the final Fellows chosen for the PIP was conducted over two stages and utilising the expertise of an esteemed Selection Committee from around Australia. Stage 1 consisted of a review of written applications to longlist a total of 20 applicants, who were then requested to submit a short video presentation about their policy topic and recommendations. In Stage 2, these presentations and applications were reviewed in a whole of committee meeting to make the final selection of shortlisted applicants for the program.
The PIP Fellows have been provided with opportunities to develop their skills in policy and governance, identify and engage with relevant government leaders, extend their networks, and learn how to improve the context-specificity of their findings.
With the combined strengths and convening power of the Churchill Trust and the UQ Centre for Policy Futures, the perspectives of PIP Fellows will be given a national platform and be targeted in such a way as to heighten the impact. We encourage all eligible Fellows with findings and ideas of relevance to Australian public policy to consider applying for this highly valuable opportunity.
Eligibility and Commitment
- Churchill Fellows awarded in or after 2013* and whose submitted reports have been approved.
- You believe your Fellowship topic has the potential to address a contemporary issue on the Australian policy agenda.
- Your Fellowship topic is innovative and draws on interesting new ideas, experiences and perspectives from other jurisdictions.
* We will consider Expressions of interest from Fellows prior to 2013 on a case-by-case basis.
Benefits for PIP Fellows
- Increase the impact of your Fellowship project and on-going work.
- Increase your profile via media coverage, editorial distribution, social media, and opportunities to meet with (or present to) policy-makers, and government agencies
- Networking opportunities and mentoring from leading policy experts.
- Free policy training through the ‘Getting Research into Policy and Practice (GRiPP)’ workshop.
- Develop your policy ideas into an article for the annual publication Policy Futures: A Reform Agenda.
Please visit The Winston Churchill Trust or see the Policy Impact Program Prospectus for more information
2023 Churchill Fellowship applications are now closed, new applications open early 2024.
For any enquiries please contact The Winston Churchill Trust on email rachel.sirr@churchilltrust.com.au or phone 02 6247 8333.