Policy in Action
Get clarity on the New Zealand government decision-making process, the role of a policy professional, and different advice products
Description
This course builds the skills and knowledge required to understand how government makes decisions, navigate your role and deliver impactful advice. The course creates clarity on government decision-making processes and the role of the policy professional. It examines the four levels of government decision making (Ministry, Minister, Cabinet and Parliament) and breaks down the formal processes and requirements behind different advice products. It is delivered over one week and comprises six hours of learning.
Testimonial 2
"At first I was apprehensive about attending due to my inexperience in Policy. I am also new to government. As a pacific participant, I felt so appreciated and included. Also respected in my contributions. So motivating and safe space to learn"
- Kapasa Trainer | Ministry for Pacific Peoples
What you will learn
By attending this course, you will:
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understand how decision-making processes in government work, including opportunities to shape the process
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understand your role in supporting government decision making
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understand the purpose of different products for giving advice.
Testimonial 1
"The online material was very informative, engaging and huge fun to use. I completed all 6 advice product modules in one go, and wanted more!"
- Senior Data Analyst | Ministry of Health
Who should attend
This course is best suited for graduates, subject matter experts who are new to government advisory roles, and any policy professional who would appreciate a refresh of the government decision-making process.
Course format
The course combines facilitator-led, live learning sessions with self-led content that learners complete online at their own pace. Learners are encouraged to complete all the course exercises and collaborate and learn from each other.
Over the duration of one week there are:
- two x 2-hour facilitator-led, live learning sessions
- approximately two hours of self-led learning and exercises.
What is covered in the course
Session one: People and processes
- What is policy? It’s just about making decisions.
- A day in the life: Ministry Chief Executive.
- A day in the life: Minister.
- A day in the life: Cabinet.
- A day in the life: Parliament (focusing on Select Committee).
Session two: Products (self-led learning)
- Understand your context as a policy professional.
- The different purposes of advice and products:
- Tell the Minister something
- Help the Minister make a decision
- Support a decision maker to do something
- Help with government accountability
- Collect information
- Communicate a message or direction.
Session three: Bringing it all together
- Spotlight: Weekly report.
- Spotlight: Oral PQ.
- Spotlight: Taking an issue to Cabinet.
- Stages of legislation.