UofG Centre for Public Policy

On 22 January 2026, the Centre for Public Policy’s Early Career Researchers’ Network hosted an in-conversation event with the Centre’s Honorary Professor Ken Thomson. Ken Thomson is former Director General Strategy and External Affairs at the Scottish Government and one of the key architects of devolution. 

Alongside Dr Dan Fisher, Research Associate at the Centre, Ken discussed the gap between idealised models of rational policymaking and the reality of governing through complexity, uncertainty, cognitive bias, and incremental change.  

He highlighted that progress is often made through trust, negotiation, and what the political scientist Charles Lindblom called 'muddling through' rather than linear planning. 

How researchers can influence policy 

For those interested in influencing policy, Ken’s shared practical advice: 

• Engage upstream - before positions harden, manifestos are written, and ministers are in office. 

• Build relationships with tomorrow’s leaders now.

• Make the front page of any briefing short, clear, and compelling. 

• Do the research, consultation, and analysis - but keep distilling it into what decision-makers actually need. Half a page of clear findings and actions on a specific problem is often more powerful than volumes of detail.

Ken also emphasised the need to balance short-term pressures with long-term strategy. While the most valuable work often sits in the “important but not urgent” space, institutions are frequently driven by immediate demands. Effective systems and individuals find ways to protect space for long-term thinking alongside day-to-day delivery.

The event was a reminder that policymaking is not just about structures and systems. It’s about people, judgement, relationships and the realities of working inside complex institutions.

Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the discussion.

Centre for Public Policy Early Career Researchers' Network

The CPP Early Career Researchers’ Network is a space for early career researchers at the University of Glasgow with an interest in policy to come together, develop skills and knowledge for policy engagement, and collaborate on interdisciplinary research.

The network is co-developed by its members and will include workshops with policy experts, networking events, and bespoke resources and opportunities.

Sign up to the Network's mailing list to hear about future events and opportunities.

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Sign up to the CPP Early Career Researchers’ Network mailing list to hear about future events and opportunities. 

First published: 11 February 2026