Well informed
We are forward looking and learn from the past. We actively seek multiple and diverse perspectives including from those affected by the policy, so we have a robust evidence-base.
- 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.
- 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.
Tools
The official government policy process for developing a RIS. It includes questions you’ll need to answer if you have to complete a RIS (Regulatory Impact Statement).
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. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Chances are someone has already done some research on your policy topic, so use that as a starting point.
The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA) has a free online course - Behavioural Insights for Public Policy. This is an introductory course aimed at people who want to train in basic behavioural insight concepts. The course will help you apply behavioural insight concepts to your work in the APS.
The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA) has a free online tool designed to bring a fresh perspective to tackling a policy, program or service delivery problem. Use this tool to discover how to better understand and influence behaviours that may be at play in your policy issue. You will take away a report that gives you practical next steps and bite-sized advice.
Questions to test if your advice is clear on intent, well informed, practical to implement and influential.
A great resource for existing research to inform your policy advice. APO is an open access evidence platform – making public policy research and resources accessible and useable.
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.
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's vision is to improve the lives of Australians by putting human behaviour at the heart of government policy.
The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA)’s Academic Directory is a directory of Australian behavioural economics and behavioural science academics, including their contact details and research interests.
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.
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.
The Policy Lab at the University of Melbourne, has developed a report on public sector innovation (PSI) units, established by governments to bring new insights and approaches to policy design and delivery of public services. The report inludes a list of public and private innovation labs in Australia and NZ.
The ANZSOG Better Evaluation Hub is a centre of expertise developed to strengthen the capacity of the public and not-for-profit sectors to generate and use evaluation and other types of evidence to support decision-making and practice.
A conceptual framework for incorporating consideration of wellbeing in policy advice.
New policy proposals may have a regulatory impact, requiring completion of a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS). This guide will help you understand when a RIS is required and what questions it needs to address.
The purpose of this handbook is to provide a description of the procedures involved in making Commonwealth Acts, especially the procedures coordinated by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet (PM&C).
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.
The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA)’s Learn Hub is an online learning resource for behavioural insights. It has all the information and tools to equip policymakers with what they need to get started – including BETA’s free world-class online course on Behavioural Insights for Public Policy.
This course will explore Australia's regulatory processes and why they are key to effective regulation.
Training & Development
Methodologies
A practical guide to help APS taskforces through every stage of the taskforce lifecycle.
The Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA) has a free online course - Behavioural Insights for Public Policy. This is an introductory course aimed at people who want to train in basic behavioural insight concepts. The course will help you apply behavioural insight concepts to your work in the APS.
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.
Behavioural insights tools assist understanding human behaviour, which can inform policy design.
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.
The ANZSOG Better Evaluation Hub is a centre of expertise developed to strengthen the capacity of the public and not-for-profit sectors to generate and use evaluation and other types of evidence to support decision-making and practice.
Networks & Connections
The Behavioural Insights Practitioners’ Network is coordinated by the Behavioural Economics Team of the Australian Government (BETA). It 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.
The Policy Lab at the University of Melbourne, has developed a report on public sector innovation (PSI) units, established by governments to bring new insights and approaches to policy design and delivery of public services. The report inludes a list of public and private innovation labs in Australia and NZ.
Get in contact with a professional network of Australian public and academic sector employees with an interest in innovation.
This course will explore Australia's regulatory processes and why they are key to effective regulation.