University of Cumbria professor selected as expert for government group

A University of Cumbria professor has been named as one of the experts appointed to a UK Government group.

Amanda Taylor-Beswick, a professor of Digital and Social Science, is among the first members of the new Government Skills College of Experts (CoE).

The national advisory body has been established by the UK Government to provide specialist academic and professional expertise on skills, workforce development, evidence and policy.

Amanda, of the University of Cumbria’s Institute of Health, was appointed in recognition of her knowledge on digital transformation, professional education, social work and workforce development.

Commenting on her appointment, she said it was great to be making a contribution to the university’s influence “beyond Cumbria”.

Amanda added: “It reflects the increasingly important role universities play in shaping national agendas.

“It also highlights the opportunity to strengthen collaboration between academia and government to ensure policy and workforce development are informed by research, lived experience and interdisciplinary expertise.”

The CoE has been appointed to support and advise Government Skills – an organisation that helps civil servants and public sector leaders to develop skills, knowledge and networks – to ensure it is considering the best research and evidence when informing its work.

Government Skills is part of the Cabinet Office and the Government People Group.

CoE members can be called upon to advise in areas that could benefit from their scientific or technical knowledge.

It is hoped it will allow Government Skills to build “long-term, ongoing and systematic relationships” that provide easier access to scientific advice.

As a member of the initial cohort of experts, Amanda will also help shape the CoE’s longer-term model and terms of reference.

The University of Cumbria professor is experienced in contributing on the national stage.

Amanda acted as an external academic advisor for the Labour Markets Evaluation and Pilots-funded Digital Excellence Programme Pilot Evaluation report.

Published in 2025, it aimed to evaluate a pilot training programme designed to improve digital capability among senior civil servants.

Further details about Professor Amanda Taylor-Beswick and her work can be found at https://www.cumbria.ac.uk/study/academic-staff/all-staff-members/professor-amanda-ml-taylor-beswick.php