Policy Development
Background:
I was commissioned by a national government to develop and implement a new strategy for rolling out a significant policy change that would impact local and national stakeholders. The task required a rigorous analysis of the policy’s requirements, its effects on various stakeholders, and the development of costed options, all underpinned by a comprehensive risk assessment. The project was essential for ensuring that the new policy was not only adopted but implemented effectively across the country.
Analysis and Stakeholder Engagement:
The first phase involved an in-depth analysis of the new policy, focusing on how it would impact local authorities, frontline services, and national agencies. I conducted a full national assessment by local authority area , mapping the diverse needs and capabilities of different regions. This was essential to tailor the policy’s rollout to regional contexts, ensuring that each area was adequately prepared.
Engagement was a key component of this phase. I worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including:
- Political figures at both local and national levels, to ensure the policy aligned with their priorities.
- Senior police leaders to assess how the policy would impact law enforcement and public safety.
- Civil service leadership to ensure cross-departmental support and understanding of the policy’s implications.
Through workshops, consultations, and direct engagement, I gathered insights that informed a set of costed options , each aligned with a detailed risk assessment . These options provided the government with a clear understanding of the financial, operational, and reputational risks associated with different implementation approaches.
Government Decision and Implementation:
Once the government had reviewed the options and agreed upon its preferred strategy, I led the implementation phase. This involved recruiting and building a team of professionals to operate on a regional basis, ensuring local stakeholders were supported throughout the transition. My team worked closely with frontline agencies, helping them understand the policy requirements and integrate the necessary changes into their operations.
I personally trained the regional teams , focusing on:
- The policy background : Ensuring they had a strong understanding of the rationale behind the new policy and how it aligned with broader governmental objectives.
- Best practice examples: Sharing case studies and successful models from similar policy rollouts, helping them identify what worked and what to avoid.
- Stakeholder engagement skills: Ensuring that each professional could work effectively with local authorities, police, and other frontline services to deliver the policy.
Development of a National Guidance Manual:
To ensure consistency in the policy’s delivery, I developed a comprehensive guidance manual , which was distributed to every local partnership across the country. The manual provided clear instructions on the practicalities of implementing the new policy, along with examples of best practices and case studies to inspire local adaptations. It also included detailed explanations of the policy’s objectives, helping to secure buy-in from all levels of government and civil society.
Outcome:
The strategy was successfully rolled out, with all regions effectively adopting the new policy within the set timeline. The regional teams I trained provided continuous support, helping to navigate challenges and ensuring that local agencies were well-equipped to implement the change.
As a result of the project’s success, my work was highlighted as best practice in a major national review, demonstrating how a well-structured approach to policy implementation, combined with effective stakeholder engagement, could lead to significant positive outcomes. The guidance manual became a go-to resource for local partnerships, and the regional teams’ support ensured a seamless transition that minimised disruptions while maximising the policy’s impact.
