Public Policy Development

About the Course

Countries, states, cities, and municipalities function with guidelines, rules, objectives, and monitoring processes. These objectives are usually the intentions of government and are captured in what is known as public policy. Public policy is an enabler for authority, and without that authority, order and discipline will be extinct. Many people see public policy as being controlled by policymakers, and many citizens and groups try to influence public policy through the political process by supporting candidates and political groups. 

A government department or agency’s ability to implement public policy solutions to problems is related to its internal capacity to analyse problems and develop workable policies. Through a combination of theory, discussions, and practical tasks, government representatives review and practice key elements of the policy development cycle. This course examines how to identify current and emerging issues, gather relevant information, analyse it critically, identify potential policy solutions, and formulate advice and recommendations. Delegates will also discuss implementation and evaluation.

This 5-day Public Policy Development training course is essentially to orientate delegates to enter the arena of public policy activities for those who desire to enhance their careers.  It deals primarily with the nature and workings of public policy. More specifically, it aims to give learners a broad overview of the dynamics of public policy in the public sector. It is, therefore, necessary to explore public policy since public representatives need to improve the processes that will enhance public delivery requirements and understand the political and administrative dynamics of policy when serving the public.

Core Objectives

Delegates will achieve the following objectives:

• Know the evolution/history of public policy
• Describe the context in which public policy development occurs
• Explain the most common model of public policy development
• Identify policy development influencing factors
• Implement elements of the policy development cycle
• Identify common obstacles to public policy development
• Action steps to respond effectively to problems
• Recognising the major challenges of public policy development

Training Approach

The training course will consist of a combination of presentations with interactive exercises supported by lecture presentations, video material, and applicable group case studies, including personal and professional experiences. The delegates will be persuaded and motivated to actively participate in group conversations while continuously being asked open-ended questions related to the subject matter and the applicability of information to meet the demands in the workplace.

The Attendees

This training course would be of great use to almost anyone, as the skills covered are valuable for understanding the operation of government entities, serving a diverse clientele, and providing the necessary governmental services to be part of the community.  

Thus, this training course will be valuable to professionals, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Public Relations Practitioners
• Communication and Liaison Officers
• Public Affairs Practitioners at All Levels
• Operational Managers Impacted by Public Procurement and Policy Decisions
• Executives involved in Strategic and Operational Government Functions
• Any Government Office Representative

Daily Discussion

DAY ONE: INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC POLICY DEVELOPMENT

• The Evolution of Public Policy Development
• The Main Purpose of Policy Development
• Problem Identification in the Public Sector
• Understanding the Policy Making Process
• Features of Good Public Policy
• Stages of the Public Policy Cycle
• Appropriate Steps in Policy Recognition
• Leadership Support for the Long Term

DAY TWO: PUBLIC POLICY DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

• Policy Issues and Identification
• Setting the Policy Agenda
• Policy Formulation and Implementation
• Monitoring and Evaluating Policy Results
• Resources Allocation During Policy Process
• Policy Makers Working as a Development Team
• Economic Models for Decision Making
• Promoting Policy Changes for Growth 

DAY THREE: FEATURES OF GOOD PUBLIC POLICY

• Factors and Objectives Driving Public Policy
• Concepts of Serving the Public Interests
• Decision Making for Best Course of Action
• Understanding Authority and Legitimacy
• Policy Instruments Based on Effectiveness
• Stakeholder Engagement in the Policy Process
• Continuous Evaluation and Assessments
• Making Public Policy Dynamic and Adaptive

DAY FOUR: PUBLIC POLICY MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

• Public Policy Management is a Complex Process
• Details Differ Based on the Level of Government
• Using the Most Suitable Policy Based on Evidence
• Policy Implementation and the Allocation of Resources
• Monitor to Identify Possible Defects or Challenges
• Using the Feedback Loop to Make Improvements
• Engaging Stakeholders to Guarantee Success
• Agencies Must Warrant Compliance

DAY FIVE: MAJOR ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF PUBLIC POLICY

• Inflation and Economic Stability
• Maintaining Health Care Affordability
• Managing Drug Addiction and Substance Abuse
• Enforcing Illegal Immigration
• Preserving Moral Values
• Social Mobility and Eliminating Poverty
• Caring for the Aging Population