Other points on policy development
A number of points about policy development generally are worth making and have been highlighted in the lessons learned exercises carried out at the end of Bill projects
- It is important not to underestimate the time it takes to develop policy to the level where departmental lawyers and the OPC team can produce a satisfactory draft.
- There needs to be a timetable for Ministers to make the policy decisions that will enable drafting to progress, and it is wise to start early.
- If policy involves agreement with other departments (eg MOJ on criminal penalties) extra time for that will be needed.
- Time needs to be allowed for securing collective agreement to the policy through the relevant Cabinet committee
- It is necessary to keep an open mind throughout. Sometimes the process of development may require a change of track at a relatively late stage.
- Some Bill teams have found it useful to hold challenge sessions with members of the Bill team seeking to test the evidence base for the policy, whether it stands up to criticism and whether it will meet its objectives.
- The matters that will need to be taken into account in the various impact assessments that will have to be produced should be kept in mind from an early stage and should inform the policy making process
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