In our regular Research Culture Uncovered conversations we are asking what is Research Culture and why does it matter?

In this episode, host Ged Hall dives into the transformative work of the Scottish Policy Research Exchange (SPRE), an organisation dedicated to developing a strategy and building a culture for engagement and decision-making in the Scottish knowledge ecosystem.

Our guests, Catherine-Rose Stocks-Rankin and Dave Blackbell (SPRE Co-Directors), shared their invaluable experiences and the strategic initiatives SPRE is pursuing to support higher education institutions, governing bodies, and communities across Scotland.

📌 **Key Takeaways:**

- **Equity-Oriented Governance:** SPRE is deeply committed to equity and justice in its governance and is committed to helping inclusive decision-making processes that reflect a diverse range of perspectives and values across Scottish policy.

- **Innovative Recruitment Practices:** The organisation’s recruitment process stands out for its transparency, accountability, and commitment to diversity. It seeks engagement and feedback from stakeholders, aiming for a mutual matching process.

- **Holistic Capacity Building:** Beyond traditional training, SPRE emphasizes building relationships, understanding context, and facilitating conversations to enhance learning experiences and leverage the strengths of individuals and communities involved in their sessions.

Links and initiatives mentioned in the episode:

• Scottish Policy & Research Exchange
• SPRE’s working document on a values-led intersectional praxis
• Join SPRE’s Brokerage Network
• Universities Policy Engagement Network (UPEN)
• Academy of Social Sciences

Consultants supporting SPRE’s development:

• Briana Pegado author of ‘Make Good Trouble: A Practical Guide to the Energetics of Disruption’
• Ray Cooper from &Breathe

Paper on knowledge mobilisers’ competencies:

• Bayley, J.E., Phipps, D., Batac, M. and Stevens, E., (2018). Development of a framework for knowledge mobilisation and impact competencies. Evidence & Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice, 14(4), pp.725-738. https://doi.org/10.1332/174426417X14945838375124

You can connect with SPRE on LinkedIn and their website (https://spre.scot/) where you can find information relating to the recruitment of the Co-director. SPRE is also on Twitter/X.

All of our episodes can be accessed via the following playlists: 

• Research Impact with Ged Hall (follow Ged on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Open Research with Nick Sheppard (follow Nick on Twitter and LinkedIn) 
• Research Careers with Ruth Winden (follow Ruth on Twitter and LinkedIn) 
• Research talent management with Tony Bromley (follow Tony on Twitter and LinkedIn) 
• Meet the Research Culturositists with Emma Spary (follow Emma on Twitter and LinkedIn)
• Research co-production 

Follow us on twitter: @ResDevLeeds (new episodes are announced here), @OpenResLeeds, @ResCultureLeeds  

Connect to us on LinkedIn: @ResearchUncoveredPodcast (new episodes are announced here) 

Leeds Research Culture links: 

• Researcher Development and Culture Website 
• Our Concordat Implemention plans and progress 
• University of Leeds Research Culture Statement 
• University of Leeds Responsible Metrics Statement 
• University of Leeds Open Research Statement 
• University of Leeds Research Culture Strategy - launched September 2023 

If you would like to contribute to a podcast episode get in touch: researcherdevelopment@leeds.ac.uk