What is good policy making? Before you start Where does policy originate? Looking at the evidence From desired outcomes to possible solutions Overarching policy issues Engaging external stakeholders The legislative process Putting it into practice and kee

Contents Page Number Foreword Chapter 1 Introduction 1 • What does policy-making mean? 1 • The need for a policy-making guide 1 • The structure of the guide 3 Chapter 2 What is good policy making? 4 • Policy making for the 21st century 5 • The ten features of good policy-making 6 • Characteristics of good policy-making 7 • A policy cycle 8 • The policy process in context 11

Chapter 3 Before you start

12 • Techniques to help with planning 13 • Project or programme start-up questions 15 • Joined-up governmentcross-cutting issues 16 • The timescale for policy-making 17 Chapter 4 Where does policy originate? 18 • Programme for Government 19 • The wider context 20 • EU Policy 21

Chapter 5 Looking at the evidence

22 • Evidence-based policy-making - what evidence is available, 22 relevant and useful? • Evidence from the front line 23 • What have experiences of other countries and regions been? 24 • Benchmarking 25 Page Number • Forward-looking policy-making 26 • Conclusion 27 • Key principles in assessing evidence 28

Chapter 6 From desired outcomes to possible solutions

29 • Appraisal of options 29 • Funding and how to secure it 31 • Legal advice 32 • Presentational aspects 33 • Risk management 33 • Engaging Ministers 35 • Involving the Executive 35

Chapter 7 Overarching policy issues

37 • The statutory equality duties 37 • New TSN 38 • Human Rights 40 • Sustainable development 41 • Impact assessments 42 • Review of Public Administration 43 • Regional Development Strategy 43

Chapter 8 Engaging external stakeholders

44 • Consultation 44 • Consultation with Assembly Committees 46 • Consultation with the Civic Forum 47 • Co-operation with the Northern Ireland Office 47 and Whitehall Departments • NorthSouth dimension 48 • Northern Ireland and the European Union 48 Page Number

Chapter 9 The legislative process

49 • Timescale for development of primary legislation 51

Chapter 10 Putting it into practice and keeping it going

52 • Delivering in partnership with implementers 52 • Engaging with service users 54 • E-government 55 • Planning for implementation 56 • Effective delivery 56

Chapter 11 Review and evaluation