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Delivering Government Policy: Working with Ministers

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This intensive one-day course is designed to empower civil servants with the skills and knowledge required to effectively translate ministerial policy ideas into actionable government policies. Focused on equipping participants to deliver policies successfully, the course emphasises the importance of prioritisation, implementation strategies, and working collaboratively with ministers to achieve shared goals. It addresses the evolving demands of government service and underscores the value of the civil service as the primary mechanism for policy delivery.

The course overall emphasises why the civil service is uniquely positioned to deliver government policy more effectively than external consultants or other alternatives. Civil servants bring unparalleled access to independent, comprehensive information and data, combined with a deep understanding of institutional knowledge, governance frameworks, and public sector processes. Their neutrality and commitment to serving the public interest ensure policies are implemented with impartiality and integrity, free from external biases or profit-driven motives.

By highlighting these strengths, participants will leave with a clear understanding of the civil service's critical role in translating ministerial visions into impactful policies, reinforcing its position as the natural and most effective choice for policy delivery.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course the delegates will be able to:

  • Harness Civil Service Expertise: Recognise the unmatched value civil servants bring to policy delivery through impartiality, institutional knowledge, and access to robust evidence.
  • Translate Policy Ideas into Action: Develop practical methods to convert abstract ministerial visions into well-structured, implementable plans.
  • Prioritise Strategically: Learn to align policy initiatives with government goals, resources, and public needs.
  • Work Effectively with Ministers: Build strong, professional relationships with ministers, enhancing trust and ensuring alignment.
  • Ensure Policy Impact: Acquire tools to implement, evaluate, and adapt policies for long-term success

Programme


Part 1: Foundations of Policy Delivery

The Role of Civil Servants in Policy Delivery

  • Highlighting the civil service's unique position as impartial, informed, and responsive policy implementers.
  • Addressing concerns about external policy delivery by emphasising the civil service's neutrality and expertise.

Collaborating with Ministers

  • Strategies for effective engagement to align civil service expertise with ministerial objectives.
  • Building trust and demonstrating the capability of the civil service to deliver impactful policies.

Strategic Prioritisation in Policy Delivery

  • Techniques for balancing immediate priorities with long-term government goals.
  • Reinforcing the civil service's strength in managing competing demands effectively.

Part 2: Translating Ideas into Actionable Policy

Policy Development and Structuring

  • Turning broad policy concepts into detailed, actionable frameworks.
  • Integrating evidence and analysis into policy formulation.
  • Addressing legal, social, and operational considerations.

Engaging Stakeholders and Building Consensus

  • Leveraging the civil service's network to involve diverse stakeholders while maintaining impartiality.
  • Anticipating challenges through an informed understanding of societal and political landscapes.

Communicating Policy Plans

  • Developing concise and compelling briefing materials for ministers.
  • Strategies for managing conflicting views and securing ministerial buy-in.

Part 3: Policy Implementation and Sustainability

Operationalising Policies

  • Developing clear implementation roadmaps, including resource allocation and timeline management.
  • Identifying and mitigating risks to successful delivery.

Evaluation and Adaptation

  • Using data and institutional knowledge to refine policies, ensuring relevance and responsiveness to government and public needs.
  • Iterative refinement of policies to respond to emerging issues or ministerial shifts.

Maintaining Policy Relevance

  • Ensuring policies remain aligned with evolving government priorities.
  • Anticipating challenges in policy adaptation and long-term maintenance.


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