Techniques to help with planning
3.4 A range of techniques is available which can assist with the planning of policy
work. For example, programme and project management PPM has a track record of delivering the achievement of pre-determined goals within time and
cost constraints. It does so by providing a number of techniques to translate strategies and policies into organisational capability. While the approach was
originally developed for use in IT projects, it can be very usefully adapted for application in policy work.
3.5 Essentially project management requires you to be clear about what you are
trying to achieve, the key milestones and target dates and the major work elements which together form the project. Too often policies fail to meet the
needs of customers such as Ministers in one of the above ways because insufficient time has been spent planning the work.
3.6 PPM has the following advantages:
• clarity on what is to be achieved - policy outcomes;
• an all through process from policy to delivery;
• senior managers are active leaders;
• proper allocation of responsibility;
• plans, timescales and milestones are clear; and
• effective risk management.
3.7 Training in programme management for policy staff and in policy-making
techniques more generally is offered by the Centre for Management and Policy Studies in the Cabinet Office CMPS, and local training programmes are under
development. It is well worthwhile for those who will be working on policy reviews and projects to undertake such training in advance or early in their
involvement in the project.
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Some aspects of the policy-making process
are very time-consuming, and effective planning
is essential.
3.8 To minimise the risk of a policy project
failing to deliver on time and on budget, it is advisable to establish a project team to take
it forward. In this way, those involved in the project have more control over their priorities
and can focus clearly on delivering on time. It is also good practice to establish a Project
Board at senior level to ensure that the project keeps on schedule and to help
resolve issues outside the direct influence of the project team. Where legislation is
required, it is essential that the necessary resources are also put in place to carry this
work forward, usually by the establishment of a Bill team.
3.9 Figure 3.1 sets out some programme or
