Sophie Cloutterbuck named one of the few LPIP Fellows for her work in driving local policy innovation across the UK
Date: 26 February
The Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) is a national initiative designed to tackle regional challenges through collaboration between universities, policymakers, and local leaders. It aims to improve public service delivery and policymaking by generating high-quality, locally relevant evidence. It has been developed as part of UK Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) creating opportunities and improving outcomes theme.
The LPIP recently appointed its new cohort of Place Fellows, with Sophie Cloutterbuck, Director of London Engagement at London Metropolitan University, among those selected. According to LPIP, the exceptional individuals chosen bring a wealth of experience, creativity, and passion to help drive local policy innovation across the UK.
The LPIP Place Fellows represent a diverse mix of regions, sectors, and expertise. This diversity highlights a shared commitment to inclusive and impactful policy innovation. The Fellows come from fields spanning economic development, social policy, and environmental sustainability, creating a rich network for collaboration and mutual learning.
Sophie commented: "Being an LPIP Place Fellow is a privilege, allowing me to represent the university community's civic engagement achievements, champion diverse perspectives, and contribute my experience to drive meaningful policy innovation that creates tangible, positive impact in communities across the UK."
The LPIP Hub serves as the central body supporting these efforts, working with regional LPIPs to understand and address local challenges through a service-driven approach to place-based policymaking.
The initiative is designed to create a step-change in the quality and impact of the evidence generated by universities and their local partners. The LPIP Delivery Partnership Team is responsible for designing, developing, and delivering specialised services and activities.
The Hub received £3.6 million in funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), and Innovate UK. Led by the University of Birmingham, it is a national consortium bringing together stakeholders across the research and policy ecosystem. The project will run until the end of 2026.
With meaningful partnerships and initiatives forming, the LPIP Hub remains committed to fostering a thriving network of local leaders equipped to tackle regional challenges and amplify policy impact.
Sophie Clouterbuck, Director of London Engagement at London Metropolitan University.