Inputting to Policy Development - Jonathan Coe

The Stage before Legislation: Inputting to policy development : Informing Green and White Papers :

www.southwestrda.org.uk The Stage before Legislation: Inputting to policy development : Informing Green and White Papers Jonathan Coe, South West RDA 18 February 2011

To cover :

To cover Definitions Process Issues to consider Influencing Policy : Different Approaches Hints and Tips Questions

Definitions :

Definitions White Paper Issued by government Usually sets out proposed policy or course of action on a topic of current concern. Often basis of a bill to be put to parliament May involve consultation, but signifies clear intent

Definitions :

Definitions Green Paper A tentative government report or proposal No commitment to further action Aim to stimulate debate – in and outside of parliament. Usually formal consultation process. In practice, often first step in changing the law. Green papers may result in the production of a white paper.

But don’t ignore…. :

But don’t ignore….

But don’t ignore…. :

But don’t ignore….

But don’t ignore…. :

But don’t ignore….

But don’t ignore…. :

But don’t ignore….

White / Green Papers :

White / Green Papers Often based on manifesto commitments Often flagged in Departmental business plans Usually drafted by civil servants (working is dedicated project team) Likely to be engagement with stakeholders in development of the paper Copy of Paper sent to Parliament Green Paper - formal consultation White Paper - possible consultation Usually formal response to any consultation White Paper normally followed by legislation

Wider Policy Development :

Wider Policy Development Pre–Green Paper Post Legislation Often flagged in Departmental business plans Usually drafted by civil servants in a ‘static’ team Formal or informal opportunities to influence: Consultation papers Direct Engagement with officials GOSW successor arrangements

Influencing Policy : Issues to consider :

Influencing Policy : Issues to consider Green/White Paper Project teams usually include staff with limited exposure to the subject area. Representative bodies at the top of the engagement list but…… ….. officials will often use personal contacts to get up to speed quickly What is ‘mission critical’ to your organisation’s objectives? (Do you need to answer all consultations / all questions?) Review of consultation responses often outsourced North and London usually shout loudest

Influencing Policy – three options :

Influencing Policy – three options ‘Lite’: Pay your subs to the most relevant representative body, and stay abreast of their lobbying work – influencing where appropriate If no relevant body exists – form alliances to pool resources/maximise voice? ‘Regular’ (as lite, plus…) Respond directly to departmental consultations Attend Departmental consultation events (in London if possible) Play active role on most appropriate representative body Political engagement (Council leaders writing to/meeting with Ministers; ‘Supercharged’ (as regular, plus…) Identify individual officials working on the brief Get a way in – through consultation events; personal contacts Political engagement (MPs; All Party Groups; Special Advisors;)

Hints and Tips :

Hints and Tips Read the relevant departmental business plan Take opportunities to input at different stages – make it difficult for officials to ignore you Be consistent (i.e. simple and consistent message) In responses, include a killer Executive summary More impact through influencing representative body policy? Personal contact can be very powerful - who can you influence directly? Offer ‘solutions’ - case studies; secondees Get your MPs on side (PQs / Debates / Correspondence)

Questions / Comments/ Suggestions :

www.southwestrda.org.uk Questions / Comments/ Suggestions