Introduction to Policy Work

This course maps to capability:

Overview

This is an essential course for people who aspire to public policy work, and is the first module of IPAA WA’s highly regarded suite of policy skills courses developed for public sector participants. You will gain a greater understanding of the policy making process and the phases in policy development, implementation and evaluation. You will also strengthen your theoretical understanding of the underpinnings of public policy work. During the course you will analyse a number of case studies relevant to practical policy work. Attendance at this course will provide you with a solid foundation from which you can build upon in your work and help you identify the attributes required of effective policy makers. This one-day course is specifically designed to introduce graduate recruits and newcomers to government to public policy work. If you are new to policy and want to gain an idea of what policy work involves, this course is for you.

Course Content

  • definitions/theoretical underpinnings of public policy work
  • phases in policy development, implementation and evaluation
  • deciding when policy is the right decision-making instrument and when policy has been successful
  • consulting with colleagues and stakeholders on policy development
  • case studies on practical policy work
  • what you need to know when working in policy
  • the practical realities of working in policy and the skill-set required to be effective

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course attendees should be able to:

  • understand the theory underpinning public policy work and the practical realities of working in a policy role
  • appreciate the policy development cycle
  • understand the hallmarks of policy success
  • become familiar with the processes of policy consultation

Benefits to your organisation

  • staff will have a better idea of when policy is needed
  • they will understand what is required for effective implementation of policy
  • they will learn whether they are suited to policy work

Benefits to you

  • you will understand the context in which government policy is developed
  • you will know what skills and attributes are required for policy work
  • you will have a better understanding of what senior decision-makers are looking for in policy proposals