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Developing policy options
Having set a strategic direction, policy design
work is needed to determine how it can be achieved. The starting
point is to identify alternative policy options and appropriate
policy instruments for realising the vision and objectives. The full
breadth of knowledge and evidence gathered in the Research &
Analysis phase, including the organisational analysis, will be
relevant and important inputs.
Generating Options
The generation of policy options
is framed by the need to work both backward from the stated
strategic objectives and forwards from the guiding principles. This
will help to ensure that the options generated reflect the
underlying values and principles driving the strategic direction as
well as directly address the most pressing issues as prioritised by
the strategic objectives.
This provides the opportunity for maximum creative
thinking. Using techniques
such as Brainstorming, 4 R's and six thinking hats can help to
stimulate lateral thinking and spark the generation of hypotheses
about potential solutions. In addition to this creative approach it
is helpful to establish a systematic process for generating policy
options. A structured process for generating options helps overcome
'blind spots' and prevents the team converging too early by
focusing on what they think they know at the expense of that which
they are unaware they don't know.
Stakeholder Participation
The participation of the public
and key stakeholders in policy development should not be confined to
a formal consultation
exercise.
There are many innovative ways of engaging them throughout the
process that can lead to more informed, realistic and owned
policies.
Selecting Policy Instruments
A fundamental part of developing
policy options is the selection of policy instruments. In accordance
with Better Regulation Taskforce Guidance,
this involves recognising that regulation is only one of a wide
range of options for government action, others include:
- Providing information , education and advice
- Encouraging voluntary agreements and self-regulation
- Using economic instruments
- Intervening directly by providing or commissioning a service.
There are many alternative policy
instruments (pdf) within each category, each with their own
characteristics, benefits and limitations. It is essential for
strategists and policymakers alike to recognise the implications of
instrument choice, not least for the level of inter-dependency
created between government and third parties and the additional
complexity this creates.
Useful links:
> encouraging creativity
> creativity techniques
> Code of Practice
on
Consultation
> BRTF Guidance: Alternatives to
Regulation
> alternative policy instruments
(pdf)
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