Understanding and responding to Arctic change requires close collaboration between researchers, policymakers and stakeholders. This page brings together key policy documents, networks and resources that support evidence-informed decision-making and help connect Arctic research with policy and governance.
Here you will find links to UK Arctic policy frameworks and government publications, alongside information on the Cross-Whitehall Arctic Network, the APPG for the Polar Regions, and other resources that support research-policy engagement.
This section looks to include:
- UK Government and FCDO Arctic policy documents and frameworks
- Information on the Cross-Whitehall Arctic Network
- Information on the APPG for the Polar Regions
- Policy briefings and evidence summaries
- Resources supporting Arctic policy and governance
By bringing these resources together in one place, we aim to support greater understanding of the Arctic policy landscape and strengthen links between research, policy and practice.
Policy Documents and Frameworks
Looking North: The UK and the Arctic. The United Kingdom’s Arctic Policy Framework (February 2023)The UK Government’s Arctic Policy Framework, setting out the UK’s interests, priorities and approach to engagement in the Arctic region. The report is now available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/looking-north-the-uk-and-the-arctic
Responding to a changing Arctic: Report published by the House of Lords Select Committee on the Arctic on the 27th February 2015.
Adapting To Change: UK policy towards the Arctic (17th October 2013) – In this document, the UK Government, for the first time, has set out its approach to the Arctic. The document sets out how the UK will continue to support and respect the sovereign rights of the Arctic States; the peoples who live and work in the Arctic; and the unique and fragile natural environment. At the same time it outlines the UK’s legitimate interests in the region, our priorities for practical action and our willingness to show leadership in appropriate areas. More information can also be found on the FCO website: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/respecting-the-arctic-promoting-uk-interests
Policy Networks
Cross-Whitehall Arctic Network
The NERC Arctic Office is a member of the Cross-Whitehall Arctic Network, a group of representatives from Government departments and agencies. The group meets around twice a year to discuss Arctic policy matters, share information and updates, and identify emerging issues and opportunities. The group is chaired by the Polar Regions Department, FCO. The NERC Arctic Office role is to ensure that we maximise the opportunities for UK-based researchers through identifying and following through on new connections, as well as providing science to policy advice directly, as well as through suggesting engagement with key experts.
APPG for the Polar Regions
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Polar Regions is a cross-party group of Members of Parliament and Members of the House of Lords with an interest in Arctic and Antarctic issues. The APPG helps raise awareness of the environmental, scientific, geopolitical and economic significance of the Polar Regions, providing a forum for discussion and engagement between Parliament, researchers, policymakers and the wider polar community. APPGs are informal parliamentary groups and do not have official status within Parliament, but they play an important role in promoting understanding of key issues and facilitating dialogue between experts and decision-makers.
The APPG for the Polar Regions is currently chaired by George Freeman MP, Member of Parliament for Mid Norfolk. The group focuses on topics including polar science, climate change, geopolitics, governance, defence, innovation and the UK’s role in the Arctic and Antarctic.
The NERC Arctic Office and the British Antarctic Survey were pleased to be able to host a visit from the Group to the UK Arctic Research Station in Ny-Alesund in August 2017. We work closely with the APPG to support their interests and engagement in Arctic issues and connect researchers to policy and decision-makers. You can sign up for regular bulletins and information notes from the Group by contacting info@appgpoalrregions.uk
Arctic Council Working Groups
Many UK researchers engage directly with the Arctic Council’s Working Groups through research collaborations, expert contributions and observer activities. The Arctic Council remains the principal intergovernmental forum for Arctic cooperation, and the UK has held Observer status since 1998. The Arctic Office has also delivered funding schemes to support UK researcher engagement with Arctic Council Working Groups
Research and Evidence for Policy
Canada – Inuit Nunangat – United Kingdom Arctic Research Programme (April 2026) – This report highlights the impacts, outcomes and lessons from the CINUK Arctic Research Programme, showcasing the benefits of equitable partnerships and Inuit-led research across Inuit Nunangat.
Changing Arctic Ocean Programme: Connecting the Arctic (2021) – This report brings together key findings from the NERC Changing Arctic Ocean Programme, providing an overview of how climate-driven changes are affecting Arctic marine ecosystems, ocean processes and biodiversity. The report showcases the programme’s scientific achievements and highlights important priorities for future Arctic research, policy and international collaboration.
NERC Arctic Research Programme: key findings – (September 2016) a series of booklets that highlight the findings from the NERC Arctic Research Programme. Each booklet addresses one of the four main questions posed of the ARP.