Policy Newcastle

Influence with impact

At Newcastle University, our world-leading research and expertise is influencing policy and practice regionally, nationally and around the world.

Our work is helping policymakers to design fit-for-purpose, sustainable policy solutions in response to profound global challenges.

The pre-election period

The pre-election period (previously known as 'purdah') is a period of sensitivity between when an election is announced and when that election is held. It runs until the results are announced at 10pm on Thursday 1st May with elections for Northumberland, Durham and North Tyneside mayor.

During this time, certain restrictions are placed on public bodies, civil and public servants. Universities have charitable status which means that they are also bound by some pre-election restrictions.

The key principle underpinning these restrictions is that the University as an institution cannot be seen to endorse or criticise political parties or candidates, or seek to influence the voting public. This can include funding announcements.

The University can express support for a particular policy that is relevant to higher education for example, emphasising the importance of funding for research, but cannot align itself to a political party, and this should be taken into consideration if you are hosting events or visits involving politicians or civil servants during this time.

If you are being considered for a media interview, the journalist will ask you to say if you are running in an election. If you need more guidance about how these restrictions may affect your activities then please in the first instance email press.office@ncl.ac.uk.

If you are hosting events or visits on behalf of the University during this time and which may be affected please email melanie.reed@ncl.ac.uk