Options Development
Options Development is the ability to explore and synthesise alternative policy solutions effectively. It involves using critical thinking, creativity and policy knowledge to weigh potential impacts, trade-offs and implementation strategies. The impact of this capability allows for robust decision-making, fostering policies that are practical, adaptable, and serve public interest.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to suggest straightforward policy options when given clear instructions and access to relevant information. You use basic analysis to compare simple pros and cons, contributing to team discussions about possible solutions. This helps ensure early ideas are clear and grounded in evidence.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are beginning to identify and shape different policy options, drawing on guidance and examples from others. You explore basic impacts and trade-offs, asking questions to understand practical consequences. Your work helps your team consider a wider range of solutions, supporting more balanced early decision-making.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to generate a range of well-developed policy options, drawing on evidence, sound judgment and diverse perspectives. You assess the benefits, risks and practicalities of each option, ensuring they align with government priorities and stakeholder needs. This enables high-quality policy advice that supports informed, confident decision-making.
Strategic Policy Advice
Strategic Policy Advice is the ability to articulate high-level, long-term directives in policy development and execution. skills include trend analysis, strategic thinking, and imparting clear, concise advice to stakeholders. Offering this guidance drives informed decision-making, impacts policy outcomes and aids in navigating complex political landscapes.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are learning how policy shapes outcomes and starting to recognize the value of long-term thinking in your advice. You seek guidance to understand trends and consult others before offering suggestions. Your developing skills help you contribute to policy discussions and support more experienced colleagues in providing strategic advice.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are beginning to contribute to the analysis of trends and the formulation of long-term policy options. You seek guidance when offering advice and communicate your ideas clearly to your team or immediate stakeholders. Your input supports informed decision-making and helps ensure policies reflect current and emerging issues.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to provide well-reasoned, forward-looking policy advice that considers emerging trends and long-term impacts. You confidently support others to understand complex issues and make informed choices that align with organizational aims. Your guidance helps shape policy direction and supports effective decision-making across the organization.
Stakeholder Consultation (Policy)
Stakeholder Consultation (Policy) is the ability to consult effectively with stakeholders to shape and influence policy. It requires comprehensive understanding of policy context, stakeholder objectives, and effective consultation strategies. Impact is measured through mutually beneficial policies and enhanced stakeholder relationships.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are learning to recognize who your policy stakeholders are and understand their basic interests. You follow guidance to gather information from stakeholders in straightforward ways, such as attending meetings or collecting feedback. This helps build your awareness of stakeholder perspectives and supports effective policy development within your team.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are beginning to consult with stakeholders to inform policy work, using guidance and support from others. You seek input from relevant stakeholders, listen to their views, and share updates clearly. This helps build your understanding of stakeholder needs and supports development of policies that start to reflect different perspectives.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to confidently consult with diverse stakeholders to inform and shape policy decisions. You adapt your approach to suit the needs and expectations of different groups, ensuring their views are meaningfully considered. Your work leads to stronger, more widely supported policies and builds trust with stakeholders.
Risk Assessment in Policy
Risk Assessment in Policy is the capacity to evaluate, address and minimize potential hazards within the setting of policy development and implementation. It involves the ability to accurately identify possible risks, understand the probability of their occurrence, and formulate effective prevention measures. This capability contributes to the creation of sound policies that not only address pertinent issues but also safeguard stakeholders from unforeseen complications.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize obvious risks when supporting policy work and can raise them with your team or manager. You understand the importance of considering basic risks early in policy discussions and take simple steps to help address them. This helps ensure initial policy ideas are more robust and less likely to encounter avoidable issues.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to identify common risks relevant to policy development and begin to assess their likelihood and impact. You can suggest basic prevention or mitigation measures with support, and your input helps reduce straightforward risks while you gain confidence in handling more complex scenarios. Your growing skills contribute to safer, more reliable policy outcomes.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to systematically assess and prioritize risks during policy development and implementation, using reliable information sources to support your analysis. You identify likely consequences and recommend practical steps to address them. This ensures your policies are robust, safeguarding both the organization and stakeholders from avoidable harms.
Regulatory Impact Assessment
Regulatory Impact Assessment is the ability to analyze and predict the effects of proposed policies or regulations in a systematic, data-driven method. It involves critical understanding of applicable laws, industry trends, and socio-economic factors to develop effective policies. This capability contributes to efficient decision-making, enhancing policy effectiveness and encouraging productive stakeholder engagement.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize when a regulatory impact assessment is needed and gather basic information to support its development. You follow clear instructions and use set processes to help analyze potential policy effects. Your contribution helps ensure policy decisions are based on initial evidence and legal requirements.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to assist in gathering and organizing data for regulatory impact assessments under guidance. You apply basic understanding of relevant laws and policy issues to support analysis, identifying straightforward impacts on stakeholders. Your contribution helps ensure assessments are thorough and informs policy discussions within your team.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to independently assess how proposed policies or regulations could affect your organization and its stakeholders. You use data and clear reasoning to weigh legal, industry, and social impacts when making recommendations. Your work helps shape policies that are practical, efficient, and support better decision-making.
Policy Research
Policy Research is the ability to investigate, analyze and synthesise complex information relating to policy. It involves comprehending the societal, economic, and political implications of potential policies, while exploring potential alternatives and improvements. The capability impacts effective policy development, enhancing their applicability, efficacy, and subsequent benefit to the intended audience.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to gather basic information about policy issues from reliable sources and summarise your findings clearly. You use guidance from others to help interpret data and understand the broader significance of policy topics. Your work helps build a solid base for more detailed policy research and informed decision-making.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to gather and review policy-related information from credible sources, identifying basic trends and connections. You begin to analyze simple policy issues, considering their potential impacts and recognizing the main factors involved. Your work helps support more experienced colleagues in building a clear evidence base for policy decisions.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to independently gather, analyze, and summarise complex policy information from reliable sources. You assess the impacts of different policy options and clearly explain your findings to others. Your work helps your team make informed decisions and improves the quality and effectiveness of policy recommendations.
Policy Problem Definition
Policy Problem Definition is the ability to accurately and concisely identify and articulate issues within current policies. This not only requires deep comprehension of existing regulations, but the capacity to analyze their effectiveness and impact on stakeholders. capabilityed execution of this ensures informed policy development and adjustment processes.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize when a policy may not be working as intended and can describe the main issue in simple terms. You rely on guidance to understand policies, but can flag concerns to others when something seems unclear or ineffective. Your input helps others pinpoint areas for further review or improvement.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are starting to recognize when existing policies are not working as intended and can describe basic problems or gaps. You rely on guidance to clarify issues and may need help understanding their broader impacts. This allows you to contribute initial insights that support more thorough policy reviews.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to clearly identify specific policy problems by analyzing current policies and their effects on stakeholders. You look beyond surface issues to uncover root causes, drawing on evidence and feedback. Your accurate problem definition helps guide teams towards effective and practical policy solutions.
Policy Implementation Planning
Policy Implementation Planning is the ability to develop strategic plans to enact policies effectively. Notably, it provides a framework for managing complexities arising in policy introduction, guiding adjustments and efficiencies. This capability showcases aptitude in foresight, management, and understanding policymaking's broader effects, influencing successful policy outcomes in the organization.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are learning how to support the planning steps needed to put a policy into action. You follow instructions to help map out basic tasks and timelines, gaining experience in balancing competing needs. Your actions help ensure early policy implementation runs smoothly and gaps are quickly addressed.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to contribute to planning how new policies are put into practice, usually with support from others. You help identify challenges and suggest practical steps for introducing policy changes within your team or area. Your actions support smooth policy rollouts and help others adapt more easily.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to design clear, actionable plans to implement policies, anticipating challenges and identifying solutions. You coordinate activities across teams, adjusting as needed to keep the process on track. Your planning helps the organization achieve policy objectives smoothly, minimizing disruption and ensuring staff understand their roles.
Policy Brief Writing
Policy Brief Writing is the ability to coherently articulate policy-related matters in a succinct, influential manner. This includes understanding complex policy details, translating them into layman’s terms, and presenting them in a clear, concise and impactful way. This in turn aids strategic decision-making and fosters knowledgeable dialogue across all levels of an organization.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to summarise basic policy information using clear and simple language. You follow standard formats and rely on guidance from others to ensure accuracy and relevance. Your work supports your team by making policy details easier for colleagues to understand and use in day-to-day decisions.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to summarise policy information clearly, organizing key points and recommendations with some guidance. You can translate complex details into simpler language for draft policy briefs, but may need support to ensure your message is concise and persuasive. Your work helps teams begin informed discussions, though it may lack polish or depth.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to draft clear and persuasive policy briefs that convey complex ideas in everyday language. You consistently adapt your writing for different audiences and review your work to ensure it supports informed decision-making. Your briefs help colleagues quickly grasp key issues and confidently engage in policy discussions.
Outcome Measurement
Outcome Measurement' is the ability to determine the effectiveness of a policy by identifying, evaluating and interpreting relevant data. This entails knowing what key indicators to consider, and how to apply statistical and analytical skills to draw robust conclusions. This capability assists in refining or redesigning policies, thus ensuring services meet their intended objectives more efficiently.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to collect basic data and identify simple indicators to track how a policy is working. You contribute to measuring outcomes by following established processes and seeking guidance when interpreting information. Your work helps your team build a clearer picture of policy effectiveness and areas for improvement.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are beginning to gather and interpret basic data to check if a policy is having the intended impact. You seek guidance to choose relevant indicators and use straightforward analysis to support your conclusions. This helps you provide useful input on whether a policy needs adjustment to better achieve its goals.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to identify clear indicators and use appropriate data to assess if policies are achieving their goals. You apply sound analysis to uncover trends and impacts, drawing practical conclusions from evidence. Your work enables policy improvements that are targeted and effective.
Literature and Evidence Review
Literature and Evidence Review is a systematic process of collating existing literature and evidence to inform and influence policy direction. It involves the capability of systematically sourcing, reviewing, and analyzing existing literature and evidence within a specific policy area. This capability provides the foundation for evidence-based policy, enables informed decisions, and contributes to successful outcomes.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to locate and refer to basic sources of policy-related literature and evidence with guidance. You follow set processes to collect information and begin to recognize how evidence informs policy discussions. Your actions help your team make more informed decisions by ensuring relevant research is considered.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to locate and summarise relevant literature and evidence to support policy work with guidance. You use basic techniques to identify credible sources, while recognizing gaps or limitations in the evidence base. Your work helps ensure policy discussions are informed by up-to-date and reliable information.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to independently source, review, and analyze a wide range of literature and evidence relevant to policy challenges. You use established methods to assess the quality and relevance of sources, drawing clear, unbiased conclusions. Your reviews provide solid foundations that inform policy options and direction.
behavioral Insights Application
behavioral Insights Application is the ability to apply psychological principles and research methods to policy development. It involves sound comprehension of behavioral sciences, navigating human behavior trends to inform policy design, and executing strategies. The impact is policy decisions that resonate deeper into societal behavior, thereby yielding more effective and inclusive outcomes.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are aware of how basic psychological principles can shape policy decisions and outcomes. You recognize common behavioral patterns and consider them when supporting policy work or discussions. Your understanding helps you spot where simple behavioral insights might make policies more effective or relevant to people’s needs.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are starting to use behavioral insights in your policy work by drawing on basic psychological ideas and research methods. You seek guidance to apply what you learn and are building confidence in interpreting how human behavior affects policy outcomes. This helps you design policies that begin to address real-life behaviors more effectively.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to thoughtfully apply behavioral science principles to policy challenges, using evidence from research to inform your advice and decisions. You consider how real-life human behavior affects policy outcomes and adjust your approach to increase effectiveness. This means your policy work is grounded in insight, leading to solutions that are practical and better received by those affected.
Legislative Interpretation
Legislative Interpretation is the ability to understand and analyze complex legislation within the policy context. This involves the comprehension of specific legal terminologies and concepts, related directly to policy. By interpreting legislation accurately and applying it to policy development, you contribute to well-informed policy decisions and legal compliance, improving overall policy effectiveness.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize and locate key elements in legislation relevant to your policy work. You can identify basic legal terms and understand how these shape policy decisions under close guidance. Your developing understanding helps ensure policies align with legislative requirements.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are beginning to interpret key sections of legislation relevant to your policy area, using guidance and support as needed. You can recognize basic legal terms and start to connect them to policy issues, raising questions if something is unclear. This helps you support policy work that adheres to legislative requirements.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to interpret legislation accurately and explain how it applies within the policy context. You confidently identify relevant legal terms, assess their implications for policy decisions, and provide clear guidance to colleagues. Your work helps ensure policies are both effective and legally compliant.
Intergovernmental Policy Coordination
Intergovernmental Policy Coordination is the capability of integrating, reconciling, and managing policy objectives across various governmental departments and jurisdictions. This capability involves understanding how policies interplay across boundaries and using strategic dialogue to align initiatives. Critically, it breaks down silos, ensuring coherent policy-making and efficient implementation. A deft facilitator of public sector collaboration, it drives uniform success in achieving common policy objectives.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are aware of how government departments work together on policy matters and recognize the importance of coordinated effort. You seek guidance to understand how your work fits into broader policy objectives and cross-agency collaboration. Your engagement helps support smooth communication and ensures your part of the policy process aligns with intergovernmental goals.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are beginning to support the coordination of policy across different government departments and jurisdictions. You seek out input from others and share updates to help keep everyone informed. Your efforts help reduce misunderstandings and lay the groundwork for smoother policy alignment in the future.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are effective at coordinating policy work with colleagues across different government agencies and jurisdictions. You actively identify shared goals, bridge gaps, and help find practical solutions that align diverse interests. Your contribution leads to clearer policies and smoother implementation between organizations.
Evaluation Framework Development
Evaluation Framework Development is a key policy capability that involves the creation and implementation of structured methods to assess policies. The process requires comprehensive reviewing, measuring, and discerning skills for successful data synthesis and interpretation. This capacity aids in refining policy effectiveness, informing revisions, and fostering continuous improvement with significant impact on policy outcomes and efficiencies.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to support the development of simple evaluation frameworks by following set guidelines and checking basic data relevant to policies. You understand the purpose of assessing policy outcomes and contribute factual information to the process. Your work helps ensure that policy reviews are based on accurate and reliable information.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are starting to contribute to the design of evaluation frameworks by applying set tools and simple methods to policy reviews. You work with guidance to collect and interpret evidence, helping to assess if policies are meeting their aims. This supports your team to make informed decisions about future policy improvements.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to design and apply evaluation frameworks that clearly measure policy objectives and outcomes. You use evidence to test policy effectiveness, recommend improvements, and support decision-making. Your work helps ensure that policies remain relevant and effective over time.
Ethics in Policymaking
Ethics in Policymaking is the understanding and application of ethical principles in the formulation and implementation of policies. It involves the ability to discern potential ethical issues and conflicts of interest while maintaining integrity and transparency. This capability ensures responsible decision-making that respects the rights and interests of all stakeholders.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are aware that ethical standards apply to policy work and you follow guidance on integrity, fairness, and transparency. You recognize obvious ethical issues and seek advice when in doubt. This helps ensure policy decisions you contribute to respect the rights and interests of those affected.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to recognize basic ethical issues in policy work and seek guidance when needed. You understand the importance of transparency and fairness, applying ethical principles to straightforward decisions. Your actions help build trust and demonstrate a commitment to responsible policy development.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to recognize and address ethical issues as they arise during the policy process, ensuring your decisions reflect fairness and transparency. You consider the impacts on all stakeholders and apply ethical frameworks to guide your recommendations. Your consistent integrity supports trust in both your policy work and the organization.
Equity and Inclusion in Policy
Equity and Inclusion in Policy is the sound understanding and practical capability to formulate policies that promote fairness and foster diversity. It involves thorough knowledge of the societal dynamics, ensuring that every policy decision made is non-discriminatory and benefits all sections of the community. The impact is seen through successfully developed policies that lead to an equitable and inclusive society.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are aware of the need for equity and inclusion when developing or reviewing policy. You take steps to identify obvious barriers or biases in draft policies and seek guidance if you are unsure. Your actions help to support fairer policy outcomes for everyone affected.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are building your ability to recognize equity and inclusion considerations when shaping policy. You seek guidance, ask informed questions, and make an effort to understand how policies affect different groups, especially those at risk of disadvantage. Your growing awareness helps ensure policy options are more thoughtful and fair.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to design and review policies with fairness and inclusion at the forefront. You identify potential inequalities, seek input from diverse groups, and adjust your approach to ensure equitable outcomes. Your efforts result in policy decisions that deliver fair and inclusive benefits across the organization and community.
Environmental Scanning
Environmental Scanning is the systematic review and analysis of external influences that may impact policy development. This involves the identification and examination of political, economic, and societal trends to anticipate and respond proactively to potential challenges. This aids in developing robust, informed policies, ensuring sustainability and relevance in an evolving environment.'
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to identify basic external factors—such as key political, economic, or social trends—that could affect policy decisions. You use available sources or guidance to notice issues that may influence your team’s work. This helps you flag emerging risks or opportunities for more experienced colleagues to explore.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are beginning to gather and review information about external factors that could affect policy decisions. You seek guidance to recognize key trends and use these insights to support your team’s policy work. Your efforts help ensure emerging issues are considered, even if your analysis is still growing.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to systematically gather and interpret information about external factors that could affect policy decisions. You use this analysis to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities, ensuring your policy work responds to current and future trends. This means your policies stay relevant and better support organizational goals.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Cost-Benefit Analysis is the ability to critically evaluate policy decisions using various economic factors. It involves the comprehensive assessment of the potential advantages and drawbacks associated with a certain policy change or implementation. This capability is pivotal for impactful and resource-optimized policy-making.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are able to recognize the basic principles of cost-benefit analysis as they apply to policy decisions, identifying simple costs and benefits with support. You can contribute information and ask relevant questions when policy options are discussed. This helps ensure early policy work considers both positive and negative impacts before moving forward.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to identify the key costs and benefits of a policy option with guidance from others. You contribute to discussions by gathering relevant information, though your analysis may lack depth or broader context. Your work supports more detailed assessments and helps your team make balanced decisions.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to independently conduct detailed cost-benefit analyzes for a range of policy options, clearly identifying both the tangible and intangible impacts. You use evidence to weigh benefits and risks, supporting your recommendations with sound reasoning. Your assessments help decision-makers choose the most effective and resource-efficient policy solutions.
Cabinet Submission Preparation
Cabinet Submission Preparation is the capacity to develop coherent, concise and strategic policy materials for cabinet consideration. This involves essential skills in research, critical analysis and synthesis of complex information related to specific policy areas. Proficiency in this capability underpins successful policy recommendations, impacting critical decision-making and government direction.
Level 1: Emerging
At a foundational level you are learning how to support the preparation of Cabinet submissions by gathering information, following clear instructions and helping draft basic sections. You seek guidance to understand key policy issues and ensure your work aligns with Cabinet requirements. Your contributions help your team build accurate and well-organized policy materials.
Level 2: Proficient
At a developing level you are able to prepare drafts of cabinet submissions by gathering relevant policy information and outlining key points. You follow guidance from others to structure content clearly and identify areas needing more detail. Your work supports the team’s policy analysis and helps ensure materials are suitable for further review and refinement.
Level 3: Advanced
At a proficient level you are able to prepare clear, well-structured cabinet submissions that clearly outline policy issues, options and recommendations. You use strong research and analysis skills to make complex ideas accessible and relevant for decision-makers. Your work directly supports sound policy choices and contributes to effective outcomes for government.
