9 things you need to know about policy analysis

The first thing you need to do is read the policy document very carefully and note down anything that occurs to you as you go. Then read it again taking the following into account:

1) Know your subject.
This is a question of credibility. You must be 100% confident in what you are saying about the issue or community you are representing. While it is virtually impossible to represent every single view point you should be up to date with the trends, developments and opinions in the area in which you are claiming to have expertise. You need to know the key problems and issues as well as what needs to happen to make a positive difference (jargon alert - outcomes). You may need to consult other people or organisations at this stage to hear their views and experiences on the issue.

2) Know what you have said before.
Check if your organisation has commented on this issue before. It's important that you maintain a consistent message and don't contradict yourself. However things change and if something has happened that has made you shift your position ensure that you clearly state why.

3) Know the status quo.
You need to be aware of the current policies that relate to this area. You should be able to compare the proposed policy with what already exists and see if it will make any difference to the outcomes you have identified. Talk to people affected and check relevant websites for existing policy documents.

4) Know what good policy looks like.
While all policies are different there are certain key principles that contribute to developing effective policies. Follow this link to find out what they are. (see below)

5) Know the process.
It's important to be aware of how the policy was developed. You should try to find out if the policy makers have sought the views of the people the policy will impact on and if other sources of experiences and knowledge have been used. (jargon alert - evidence based policy)

6) Know what others are saying.
You should be aware of other organisations in your field and what they are saying about the policy. It's important for the voluntary and community sector to work together on issues when it can and to say roughly the same things. However it is also important to anticipate opinions that you might not agree with and formulate a counter argument. There also might be organisations from other sectors which you will be agreeing or disagreeing with.

7) Know the stats.
In general government loves statistics and they can add considerable weight to an argument. However they can also be misrepresented, misinterpreted or simply wrong. Never use statistics that you don't understand and make sure they are from reliable sources. If in doubt leave them out. Also remember to check out any of the numbers that are quoted in policy documents for their reliability and the extent to which they reflect the reality of your experience.

8) Know the bigger picture.
No policy exists in isolation. It's important to find out the overall strategies into which this policy will fit and any existing targets or priorities. You will need to know if this policy will make a positive contribution to the overall plan or if it contradicts it. There are often key concepts that government has said will be evident in all its policies and you should assess if they are present in this document.

9) Know how you would do it better.
It's not enough to complain about a policy. The best policy positions will be those which can analyse the issue and offer realistic solutions. But you must also be aware of what's possible - drawing up unrealistic wish lists won't help your credibility or have an impact on the people you represent. A key part of this is to identify good practice, either here and/or internationally, that can be used to illustrate your points.

Click here to download a policy analysis template to help you work your way through the 9 things you need to know. (see below)

Useful Links:

Policy is a circle not a line - it should be constantly evolving through evaluation and change as it is implemented. We need to know if the policy is working and how it will respond to changes, otherwise it becomes a document on a shelf. Effective policies will outline appropriate and inclusive structures for monitoring and evaluation.

Policy Analysis Template.

Policy Title:
Department or organisation responsible:
Main contact:
Deadline for responses:

Key Questions Answers Notes and Actions

1. Know your subject.

(a) What are the key facts relating to the people or areas you represent in relation to this issue?

(b) What are the key trends affecting them?

2. Know what you have said before.

List the key points you have previously made on this topic and the dates you made them.

Are they still correct?

If not what has changed to make you change your mind?

3. Know what good policy looks like.

(a) Has the policy clearly identified the problem it hopes to solve?

(b) Is it the right problem?

(c )Does it have a clear vision of what it wants to achieve?

(d) Does it have a budget?

(e) How will it be monitored?

(f) Does it have clear measurable targets?

4. Know the status quo

(a) List the policies that already exist in this area.

(b) What are the key problems with them

( c) What is working well?

(d) How is this one different?

5 Know the process.

(a) Who was involved in developing the policy?

(b) Is it based on evidence and does the evidence reflect the reality as you know it?

(c ) Did it take into account the views of the people it will impact on?

6 Know what others are saying?

(a) List all of the organisations that will also have an interest in this topic.

(b) What are the key points they are making?
- what do we agree with?
- What do we disagree with?

(c ) Can we work closely with one or more organisations on this?

7. Know the stats.

(a) What are the key statistics used in the report/

(b) Do we agree with them?

(c )Are there other statistics that we can use to back up our argument?

(d) Is there relevant research that has not been used?

8. Know the bigger picture

(a) List the key government strategies and priorities that are relevant to this policy.

(b) Does this policy contribute to them?

(c ) Does this policy contradict or ignore them?

9. Know how you would do it better.

(a) List the actions that need to be taken for the policy to have a positive impact

(b) How do your recommendations fit in with the strategies and priories listed in the question above.

(c)Are there any examples of best practice that can be used to illustrate the effectiveness of your recommendations?

.