Well informed

Step 2. We are forward looking and learn from the past and actively seek multiple and diverse perspectives.

What it is 

  • Been informed by evidence both quantitative and qualitative
  • Developed your policy in collaboration with people affected by the policy
  • Involved key stakeholders within and outside the APS
  • Incorporated lessons learned from the past
  • Considered the wider context the policy will exist within, now and into the future

                       What it isn't

  • Cherry-picked the evidence.
  • Involved limited perspectives.
  • Drawn only on quantitative data.
  • Created your advice in a bubble.

What does it mean to be Well Informed

We’re often very good at finding and using data and academic research to inform our advice. Being well informed means going beyond this, to include the voices of the people who will be affected by the policy.

Being informed by evidence both qualitative and quantitative

Reviewing quantitative data is usually our first port of call. It’s clean and it’s clear and it’s often easy to find. While it’s important, it doesn’t paint the full picture. Quantitative data can tell you what’s happening, qualitative research can tell you why it’s happening. And understanding why is vital to coming up with effective options that will meet the intended outcomes.

Developing your policy in collaboration with people affected by the policy

So often policy is created without having in some way engaged the people it will impact. Maybe we think we already know their needs, or we don’t have time, or it won’t change anything, or it’s too risky. Are they reasons, or excuses? Policy that is developed collaboratively with end users and industry is often going to be more effective, better received, and both quicker and cheaper in the long run. Unless the policy is sensitive, there is usually some way to learn more about those who will be affected by the policy and bring them into the policy advice process.

Involving key stakeholders within and outside the APS

Broadening our stakeholder network can only improve your ability to give well rounded policy advice. Working with people from across and outside the APS can bring different perspectives and approaches to the policy. They may have expertise you don’t have, whether it be emerging trends or new technologies, specialised industry experience or different approaches. Having regular engagement with key stakeholders means when a rapid response is required, and you don’t have time for all the steps, you have robust information you can draw on.

Incorporating lessons learned from the past

This is about not reinventing the wheel. Why would we want to make the same mistakes someone else has already made, or not learn from their successes? There’s a rich history of policy making in Australia and around the world; it’s almost certainly not the first time someone has thought about what you’re doing. Try and find those stories and see what you can learn.

Considering the wider context the policy will exist within, now and into the future

Nobody’s saying we need to predict the future. But it’s a critical part of our role to look beyond the immediate situation to the bigger picture. We need to connect with those working on related policy, and seek to understand what else will be happening in the context the policy will be released into.

Resources

APS Framework for Engagement and Participation
This decision tool helps public servants pick the right engagement technique for the problem at hand and includes a catalogue of such techniques to apply.

Behavioural Insights (NZ)
Behavioural insights tools assist understanding human behaviour, which can inform policy design.

Open Policy Making Toolkit (UK)
The Open Policy Making Toolkit is a product of the UK Government's Open Policy Lab. Access a range of tools and techniques to assist the policy development process.

Taskforce Toolkit
A practical guide to help APS taskforces through every stage of the taskforce lifecycle.

Treasury's Wellbeing Framework
A conceptual framework for incorporating consideration of wellbeing in policy advice.

ANZSOG Resource Library
A great resource for existing research to inform your policy advice. ANZSOG (the Australia and New Zealand School of Government) has a specific focus on government-focused research relevant to the public sector.

APO - Analysis and Policy Observatory
APO is an open access evidence platform – making public policy research and resources accessible and useable.

Australian Government Guide to Policy Impact Analysis
The Guide to Policy Impact Analysis is intended to inform Australian Public Service policy making — ensuring that advice to government is accompanied by robust analysis, data and an accurate overview of the effects of proposed policies on our community.

BETA - Academic Directory
The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA)’s Academic Directory is a directory of Australian behavioural economics and behavioural science academics.

BETA - Behavioural Economics
The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA), is the Australian Government's central unit for applying behavioural insights (BI) to public policy.

BETA - Behavioural Insights eLearning Hub
The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA)’s eLearning Hub is an online learning resource for behavioural insights.

Delivering Great Policy Starter Kit
Questions to test if your advice is clear on intent, well informed, practical to implement and influential.

Legislation Handbook
The purpose of this handbook is to provide a description of the procedures involved in making Commonwealth Acts.

Policy Methods Toolbox (NZ)
The Policy Methods Toolbox is a repository of policy development methods that helps policy practitioners identify and select the right approach for their policy initiative.

Public Sector Innovation Units in Australia and New Zealand
Learn about and connect with public sector innovation units to support your policy innovation efforts.

The Policy Project (NZ)
The Policy Project is an initiative of the New Zealand Government to support individual who provide advice to decision makers, access relevant tools, advice and information.

BETA – Behavioural Insights Practitioners’ Network
Provides a forum for existing behavioural insights practitioners across the APS to meet and hear from colleagues in other agencies, share their experiences, and develop their understanding of emerging trends in behavioural economics.

Courses

Delivering Great Policy Package - Foundations
This package delivers all four modules of Delivering Great Policy. This package defines the four core elements required for delivering great policy advice: being clear on intent; being well informed; solutions are practical to implement; and advice is influential.

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