Practical to implement
We work with those involved in implementation and try out multiple options, so we have a practical solution and a plan for evaluation.
- Solution(s) that will lead to the desired policy outcomes.
- Explored and tested multiple options, and evaluated them with genuine input from implementers and end users.
- Been clear that the policy can work in the real world.
- Considered the long-term impacts, perverse incentives and unintended outcomes.
- Evaluation “baked in” from the outset, and linked to policy outcomes.
- Solutions that have not been tested - you don’t know whether they can work in the real world or if they’ll lead to desired outcome.
- Advice developed by experts without input from end users or implementers.
- Consultation done to tick a box, without genuine input.
What does it mean to be practical to implement
We often involve implementers too late in the process, meaning our advice might not be workable. Advice that’s practical to implement involves collaborating with implementers early to test multiple solutions to understand what works best.
Solution(s) that will lead to the desired policy outcomes
It can be easy to get stuck in the weeds of your policy problem and focus on doing the things that are most achievable or the same things you usually do. And that’s not a bad thing, so long as you check back in that those things are solving the problem, and will get the outcome that’s needed. It’s important not to lose sight of what the policy is trying to achieve.
Exploring and testing multiple options, and evaluating them with genuine input from implementers and end users
It’s possible you’ve been involved in a project where a proposed solution is implemented only to find out afterwards it doesn’t really solve the problem, or it caused a whole other set of headaches. Even if we have a solution in mind at the start, as we learn more about the problem we find other and potentially better options. It’s very rare that our first idea is the best idea - so we need to have lots of ideas, and explore those ideas with the people who they’re going to impact, and allow ourselves room to make adjustments to get the best result.
Being clear that the policy can work in the real world
A good policy is one that’s implemented and works. The very best theoretical solution might look nice and feel good, but it’s not a lot of use. And the only way you’re going to find out if it will work is try it out. This means understanding how things like finances and resources are going to work and where the problems might be, and how your policy advice is going to be received. Some of this can be done through analysis, but some of it needs to be tested with those involved in the real world application. Testing the ideas contained in your policy is a risk mitigation strategy - you want to quickly identify challenges and roadblocks so you can address them before implementation.
Considering the long-term impacts, perverse incentives and unintended outcomes
Every action has a reaction. Some of the reactions are expected, they’re the reason you’re doing your policy in the first place. But there’s likely to be some you either hadn’t predicted or didn’t want. Identifying those early, and making sure you understand their significance, is critical to good policy advice.
Evaluation is “baked in” from the outset, and linked to policy outcomes
We all know evaluation is important, and yet we also acknowledge it’s not done well in the APS. There’s whole programs of work about doing this better, and we’re not going to try and replicate them here. We just want to make sure you’re thinking about and planning for evaluation early, and doing it with a clear understanding
of what you’re trying to achieve.
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 one page template to plot out how your policy is intended to work. It will help you understand the relationships between resources, activities and outcomes of the policy, which is critical to a successful evaluation.
A template to plan out your evaluation, including the questions you’ll ask and what data you’ll collect. Use it when you’re clear on what the policy is, how it’s going to be implemented, and what success looks like.
A menu of questions to inform your evaluation strategy, categorised into four groups:
- Design
- Efficiency
- Outcomes
- Impact
A twelve page template to document your evaluation strategy.
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.
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.
Guidance on undertaking cost-benefit and risk analysis of regulatory proposals to be incorporated into Regulation Impact Statements (RIS).
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.
A risk assessment tool to support government consideration of a New Policy Proposal. The Risk Potential Assessment Tool (RPAT) template provides a standardised assessment and presentation of risks in new proposals.
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.
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 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.