Local Government Policy Frameworks

Programme Focus

Understanding the policy cycle is the first step towards sound policy development. Too often, a ‘policy‘ (and for the purposes of this programme, the term policy includes policies, guidelines and positions endorsed by council as well as those that sit solely within the organisation) is developed in order to address a perceived problem or fill a gap even though it might not be the appropriate solution for the longer term.

Developing sound policy that is appropriate for the need and circumstances is not always straightforward and can involve multiple internal stakeholders with different, or even conflicting, objectives. Understanding how to engage with stakeholders to clarify needs and to identify policy solutions is key to success and this course will provide a list of critical steps to work through from initial identification of need to the creation of a policy framework.

Maintaining a strategic view can be challenging in organisations as key stakeholders might view a policy as the solution to resolve their bug-bear but do not necessarily have an understanding of the wider implications. Through exploring problem analysis mechanisms, programme participants will learn to create policy which fits in the wider strategic framework.