The guide cannot be fully comprehensive and is not a substitute for consulting Chapter 2 of the guide sets out some of the theory of good policy-making.

development of policy within the Northern Ireland administration, and the guide forms part of that work. In doing so, it takes account of work elsewhere on good practice in policy-making.

1.8 The guide cannot be fully comprehensive and is not a substitute for consulting

detailed guidance on aspects of the institutional framework, legislative and financial processes and statutory obligations. However, it seeks to cover the basic essentials and, by including appropriate contact details and web links in Annex D, and throughout the text in the online version of the guide, available at www.ofmdfmni.gov.ukpolicylink, sets out to make it easier to track down more specialised assistance. The structure of the guide

1.9 Chapter 2 of the guide sets out some of the theory of good policy-making.

The remainder of the document outlines the various steps in the policy-making process. Chapter 3 emphasises the importance of effective planning from the outset of a policy review or project. Chapter 4 looks at the key sources of policy. Chapter 5 provides guidance on how to ensure that policy is evidence-based. Chapter 6 looks at some of the internal processes which need to be undertaken in developing policy, including securing the necessary resources, while Chapter 7 considers what needs to be done to take account of overarching policy issues such as equality and New TSN. Chapter 8 considers how to engage external stakeholders. Chapter 9 explains the legislative process. Chapter 10 looks at implementing policy, emphasising the importance of ensuring that implementation and delivery issues are fully considered from the outset and continually reviewed. Chapter 11 considers review and evaluation of policy. Annex A describes the context for policy-making, with a particular emphasis on the institutions under the Agreement. Annex B provides a check-list of the main stages and, where possible, timescales involved in the development of a typical policy. Annex C suggests useful sources of evidence and expertise to support policy-making. Annex D gives web addresses andor contact details for other guidance documents and organisations referred to throughout the guide. 3 What is good policy making?

2.1 As outlined in Chapter 1, policy-making is the process by which governments