Policy without (much) pain - University of Ballarat

Policy without (much) pain12. ResearchThe research phase of a policy project may comprise exploration of: senior management views on the relationship between the project and strategic objectives issues/concerns previously raised on the policy topic by staff of the institution related policy texts within the institution terminology and definitions similar policies and similar policy projects at other institutions relevant state and national legislation guidelines, policy statements, better practice documents and model policies at state, nationalor international level.Seek senior managers’ adviceIt is desirable to meet the senior manager or managers responsible for the policy area, to gaintheir advice on the objectives of the project and any factors which should be taken into account.For example, if you are preparing a project on a major aspect of education policy, it may be agood idea to find out what the pro vice-chancellor and/or deputy vice-chancellor responsible foreducation are thinking. Senior managers have access to more sources of information and a bettersense of any institutional strategies or internal/external politics that may restrict what is possiblein the project. They may be aware of an emerging strategic priority that has not yet beenannounced. They may tell you that they wish the project to be broader in scope than you realised,or narrower. Their advice at the beginning can save you from surprises and changes of directionlater in the project.Gather previous feedbackThe operational managers in the policy area, and the central policy managers, may be able toprovide a list of issues/concerns that have been raised by staff, about the way the institution iscurrently managing the activity addressed by the policy. Some institutional web policy repositoriesinclude a facility for online feedback on each policy, so issues/concerns are collected in arepository. You will want to address these concerns in consultation and drafting, and to makeclear that you have done so. Even if these views aren’t incorporated into the drafts, it is importantto demonstrate that they have been considered, and give the reasons they were not included.This in turn will encourage staff to provide feedback on policy in future, so you will have betterinformation for future projects.~ 21 ~