Policy Reference Panel
Helping turn research into real-world impact
Climate change is moving faster than the evidence can sometimes keep pace. Governments, health services and communities are making decisions now that will shape health and wellbeing for decades to come.
The Net Positive Centre’s Policy Reference Panel helps ensure our research answers the questions that matter most to policymakers and practitioners, increasing the likelihood that new evidence can inform decisions while there is still time to make a difference.
Rather than waiting until research is complete, the Panel works alongside Centre researchers throughout our programme, providing strategic advice, identifying emerging policy priorities and helping us build stronger pathways from evidence into action.
Why it matters
Good policy depends on good evidence. But good evidence also depends on asking the right questions.
Our Policy Reference Panel helps the Centre:
- Identify the most pressing climate and health policy challenges.
- Ensure research remains relevant to current policy priorities.
- Strengthen opportunities for research to influence policy and practice.
- Bring together perspectives from across the UK and from multiple sectors.
- Encourage timely, collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems.
What makes the Panel different
Climate and health policy cuts across government departments, health systems, local authorities, businesses and communities.
Reflecting this, our Panel brings together senior leaders and experts from a range of disciplines and sectors, providing independent advice and challenge throughout the Centre’s work.
This diversity helps ensure our research is not only scientifically robust, but grounded in the realities of policy development and implementation.
Chair
Professor John Newton chairs the Net Positive Centre Policy Reference Panel.
Formerly Director of Health Improvement at Public Health England and a leading figure in UK public health, Professor Newton brings extensive experience of translating research into policy and practice.
Speaking about the role of the Panel, he explains:
“The policy panel has three functions. The first is to ensure that the research we do is highly relevant to policy; the second is to maximise its policy impact; and the third is to help the Centre engage more effectively with policymakers.”
He also believes the Centre has an opportunity to reshape the conversation around climate and health:
“It’s not that we can’t afford to do what’s necessary; it’s that we can’t afford not to.”
How we work
The Panel meets regularly with Centre leadership and researchers to:
- Horizon scan emerging climate and health issues.
- Review developing research ideas.
- Identify evidence gaps.
- Advise on engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.
- Help maximise the impact of Centre research.
This ensures the Centre remains responsive, collaborative and focused on delivering evidence that can support healthier, fairer and more climate-resilient futures.