“Gerrin’ on wi’ it” Podcast

Uncategorized Wednesday 4 February 2026

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About the Podcast 

“Gerrin’ on wi’ it” is a podcast series brought to you by YPIP, Y-PERN and the Leeds University Business school’s Research and Innovation podcast about collaboration in Yorkshire and the Humber which showcases the people, partnerships, and ideas driving collaborative change across the region. The title – a Yorkshire phrase meaning “getting on with it” – captures the spirit of practical, no-nonsense collaboration that characterises the region’s approach to tackling complex challenges.

Hosted by Dr Andy Mycock and Paul Hayes, the series explores how universities, local authorities, combined authorities, and communities work together to address shared priorities – from economic growth and early years education to community wellbeing and regional development. At its heart, the podcast tells the story of Yorkshire and the Humber as England’s trailblazer for academic-policy engagement.

The Series 

Through conversations with researchers, policymakers, local government leaders, and community advocates, “Gerrin’ on wi’ it” unpacks the reality of collaborative working. Guests share candid reflections on what works, what doesn’t, and what they’d do differently – offering practical insights for building effective partnerships.

The series features voices behind major regional initiatives including the Yorkshire and Humber Policy Engagement and Research Network (Y-PERN) and the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP), born from a 2021 memorandum of understanding between Yorkshire Universities and Yorkshire & Humber Councils.

Guests include Professor Joe Cook discussing Hull’s community-first research model, Dr Dan Olner on his embedded role within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, Kate Macdonald on enabling community voice, Kersten England CBE reflecting on decades of local government leadership, and Dr Peter O’Brien exploring how Yorkshire’s 12 universities collaborate with a shared regional mission. Throughout, the focus remains on real examples, lived experiences, and the practical challenges of bringing together stakeholders with different cultures, incentives, and pressures.

About the Hosts 

Dr Andy Mycock is Chief Policy Fellow for Y-PERN, Cross-Programme Lead for the University Policy Engagement Network, and an elected trustee of the Political Studies Association, with extensive experience collaborating with stakeholders across the region, UK and internationally. 

Paul Hayes is Senior Policy Engagement Fellow at Leeds University Business School and was formerly corporate policy manager at Wakefield Council and policy lead for the Key Cities Group. 

Get Involved 

Listen to “Gerrin’ on wit’ it” on Soundcloud below or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Transcripts of all episodes are available. Download the transcript for this episode here