Preparing briefs and providing appropriate and timely advice for ministers and government staff is more than just a writing skill, important as that may be. Rather, affective briefing requires abilities to analyse the policy problem, understand the policy environment and most importantly to develop effective arguments and to prepare proposals that are clear, succinct and accurate and that connect context, knowledge to the policy tasks at hand.
This workshop provides theoretical overviews with practical examples and exercises.
It also provides the opportunity to fully develop a brief for presentation at the conclusion of the workshop.
Key issues for this discussion include:
To understand key concepts and issues in regard to providing advice
To appreciate the institutional, constitutional and organisational issues concerning advice
To identify the key players in the advisory process
To appreciate the range of different sources of advice
To appreciate the different institutional mechanisms that have evolved
To respond to the changing advisory needs of government
To appreciate the policy environment in which the advisory process operates and conflicts are resolved.
This workshop equips participants to:
link policy development models and practice to the advisory process
develop a clear framework for assessing the quality of policy
recognise the boundaries to evidence based, rational policy development
develop a clear framework for assessing the quality of advice and developing quality advice
recognise the complex dimensions of advice and the criteria for selecting the most suitable forms and forums for providing advice
develop specific skills and competencies in preparing briefs
recognise the attributes of a good adviser
develop the skills required to present and support a brief.
