Power of Policy

Recreation ConferenceNovember 18, 2010

Policy Analysis Process

Think about a problem…

Take 5 minutes - think about an problem that you or your organization is trying to solve – write it down

Define the problem…

• Clarify from the beginning what we want to fix• Immediately focuses your efforts on external

harms• Link to organizational/ government mandatesGood example• 40% of all injuries in Nova Scotia are

musculoskeletal injuries in people between the ages of 25 and 35 of age.

Re-define your problem

Look at the problem you wrote down at the beginning – take 5 minutes and refine

SHARE

Should we intervene?

• Some issues are less of a problem than we assume

• We can’t solve all problems• Pick the important problems causing

the greatest amount of harm

Measuring results…

• Start with problems and risks• Consider who and what needs to

change (focus on behaviour)• Develop a sequence of changes to be

made• ‘Map’ the results into a logic model

Determine possible instruments

Do we have the right policy mix?

• Behaviour is motivated by a complex set of factors; therefore, changing behaviour often requires a combination of techniques

• One instrument alone may not be as effective as three instruments working together

Conduct impact analysis…

CriteriaAlternatives

Do Nothing

Option 1 Option 2 Option 3

Effectiveness 1

Political Feasibility

2

Administrative Feasibility

5

Efficiency 1

Fairness 3

Total 12

Consultation…

• Initial stages of policy development– Develop consultation plan – Clarify and define issues

• During policy development– More formalized consultation– Define potential policy instruments

• After policy development– Monitoring of the implementation of policy– Ongoing issue development

Questions?