Typical outputs from Phase 2

The output from this phase typically involves drafting a more lengthy policy review or research report which encompasses findings from Phase 2. The report should include:

• the data and evidence used during to deepen understanding of the policy issue, including details of any commissioned data collection
• the insights we have gleaned from our research, and
• our findings outlined in a detailed and clear manner which will help you, your team, and the Minister, decide whether you are ready to progress to Phase 3

It is also possible our findings will reveal that the policy demand is not what we expected in which case we may need to return to Phase 1, again highlighting the point that the process of policy development is not always in one straightforward direction but may require you to revisit steps.

Phase 2 is about uncovering insights from existing data and evidence which could help to scope out various policy options. Ideally, this exercise will help to identify and further define the issue in question, the root causes of the issue and the policy options able to address it effectively. Fleshing out one or more of these policy options in greater detail is part of the next stage of providing policy advice.

The insights gathered during Phase 2 might uncover a fundamental misunderstanding of the original policy demand, or that the demand does not exist at all. If this happens, we must consider this before going to the next phase of the policy development process. It may be that the most appropriate course of action might be to return to Phase 1 and reassess the original policy demand. It is equally possible that our finding will tell us to progress to Phase 3.

The policy development process is messy and there is no hard-set rule to determine which course should be taken; each case must be decided on its own merits.

Taking stock before progressing to the next phase is a vital step throughout policy development.