Centre for Public and Policy Engagement

Policy Briefings and Position Papers

In the foreground is a surface covered in papers. In the background, mostly blurred, are two people looking at more paper.

We’re working with our researchers to prepare policy briefings on key research areas to help policymakers quickly understand the important insights available to them.

We will be regularly uploading new briefings with the support of the Open Innovation Team, which works with experts to generate analysis and ideas for policy to support UK Government Departments.

Briefings

Policy briefing: Clare’s Law 10 Year on: Is it working for victims and survivors?

Clare’s Law - formally the domestic violence disclosure scheme (DVDS) - has been running for more than 10 years in England and Wales. Over the last decade over 100,000 DVDS applications have been made. Disclosures have become an important part of domestic abuse safeguarding work in policing. Demand for disclosure has become so high that some forces are introducing AI to automate searches in police records and draft disclosure scripts. The DVDS has also become controversial.

This briefing presents evidence from the largest and most systematic study to date of disclosure schemes. It highlights what is working and why, how we compare internationally, and where we can improve to better protect and empower victims and survivors.


Download the report (.docx)

Policy briefing: Regulations addressing animal welfare issues during live transportation

Live animal transportation is associated with many welfare concerns including distress, injuries and prolonged hunger and thirst.

While the EU is in the process of updating its animal transport regulatory framework, the UK only published a series of propositions in 2021 that have not been translated into laws (with the exception of a recent ban in live exportation for slaughter), leaving important gaps in protection unaddressed.


Download the report (.pdf)

Create a new policy briefing

If you would like to discuss creating a policy briefing based on your research please contact policy-engagement@essex.ac.uk