Policy Analysis, Development and Communication
What makes a good policy paper? What is an effective policy process? How does the theory vary from reality?
Good policy leads to good government. To develop policy, you need to be a good analyst and thinker, relationship manager and communicator. This programme covers all three areas, looking at the big picture of policy development, analysis and effective writing. It takes a practical approach, evaluating policy papers and taking participants through policy development processes. The programme will be tailored to your needs, sector and policy issues.
At the end you will be able to:
- apply the traditional policy development process: problem definition, consultation, option development, assessment against criteria, preferred option, recommendations
- apply policy frameworks
- analyse policy issues effectively
- use evidence in developing policy
- consider how policy initiatives will be evaluated
- manage risk effectively
- understand the role of policy analysts in advising Ministers, including the principles of accountability and free and frank advice
- apply the Results Accountability framework
- recognise wicked problems and thinking processes around them.
Why is this important?
Good policy papers are clear, succinct, tell a story and get to the point. Producing papers like this involves experience, skill and a clear understanding of process and pitfalls. Ministers want their papers to look good in the policy paper “beauty parade”. So make sure yours do. Good policy is a key feature of your organisation’s reputation.
