ARK Policy Unit

ARK aims to support policy development and debate in Northern Ireland by providing information and critical analysis.  Over the last two years, the Policy Unit within ARK has built upon its close connections with the voluntary sector, and has initiated links with policy makers within the Northern Ireland Assembly and Government departments.  It has worked to develop a facility for a more critical appraisal of policy which is based on knowledge and evidence, and to encourage public engagement with social policy.  In 2009, ‘Figuring it out: Looking behind social statistics in Northern Ireland’ (by Ann Marie Gray and Goretti Horgan) included statistics and lay-friendly commentary on key social policy areas, such as transport, health and social care, and education.  Since then, three policy roundtable events have been held, and a Policy Brief series has been initiated.  This series aims to explore key policy issues facing Northern Ireland, and draws on published research evidence and the discussions at the associated policy roundtables.  For more information, visit the Policy, Research and Resources section of the ARK website at: www.ark.ac.uk/intro/policy.html