In my previous post about a research project, in which two think tanks with decidedly different heritage and focus were invited to assess the same 20 policy initiatives using a common set of criteria (effectively a draft evidence-based policy standard), I mentioned that those criteria had been developed by Prof Kenneth Wiltshire AO, and previously… Continue reading Criteria for a Public Policy Business Case
Tag: advocacy
Evidence for Good
The UK-based Alliance for Useful Evidence has recently published two new resources that will be of interest to all not-for-profit organisations, but especially to those involved in public policy advocacy. The first relates to their goal that “Decision-makers in government and civil society routinely make appropriate use of high quality evidence to inform strategy, policy and practice“. … Continue reading Evidence for Good
AICD’s report card on national reform says “we must do better”
“… if our business sector faced the same red tape and regulatory burden as our charities and NFPs continue to endure, there would be uproar.” So said AICD Managing Director & CEO Angus Armour when releasing the AICD report card marking progress towards achieving national reforms recommended in the AICD’s 2017 Blueprint for National Reform.… Continue reading AICD’s report card on national reform says “we must do better”
How transparent is your policy evidence?
Not-for-profit organisations want to ensure that their policy submissions to current and future governments are effective, and so they rightly look to align their arguments with election promises and policy platforms made public by the major parties, and to time their interactions appropriately within the policy cycle. Beyond those considerations, however, there is perhaps a… Continue reading How transparent is your policy evidence?
Discerning policy truth
Long before the invention of the lie detector and its painless technology, the superstitious and untruthful faced a severe fate between the jaws of the Bocca della Verità, or Mouth of Truth, an ancient carving (illustrated) which was said to bite off the hands of liars. In the present era, where ‘spin’ and ‘fake news’ have… Continue reading Discerning policy truth
Budget submission or election advocacy?
With Victorian State Government elections scheduled for November 2018, any budget submissions from Victorian not-for-profit organisations for 2018/19 need to be framed around the election platforms of the parties. Those familiar with the Victoria policy, electoral and budget cycles will know that their budget submissions for 2018-19 are effectively election platform submissions. Initial Forward Estimates… Continue reading Budget submission or election advocacy?
Should we make a submission?
Not-for-profit organisations often have opportunities to make submissions in response to inquiries and reviews, and many spend considerable effort in preparing and lodging responses to these. The question of whether to make a submission may best be addressed by reference to a few principles, framed as simple questions. We can learn from the Tasmanian Government… Continue reading Should we make a submission?
Advocacy Campaign Planning Checkup
Does your association or charity have an advocacy issue that needs a campaign plan? If so, you may find the checklist below of some assistance. Alternatively, you may already be involved in a campaign and looking for ways to enhance your plans. Short-term and simple advocacy goals may not warrant a campaign plan, although achievement… Continue reading Advocacy Campaign Planning Checkup
Lobbying and advocacy in the spotlight
Most associations and charities are represented by their senior leaders rather than ex-politicians within professional lobbying firms, and so the code of conduct may not apply directly to your organisation, however, it would be prudent to monitor the debate on the revised code to see what implications may arise for your advocacy work.
Trust in the 21st Century
‘Trust’ is a concept with which associations and charities have had a long and close relationship. The professions, in particular, have long recognised that the asymmetry of knowledge between practitioners and their clients/patients places a special ethical burden on them to always act with the interests of their clients as their top priority. Regrettably, some… Continue reading Trust in the 21st Century