Governance & Compliance

Policy Analysis for Public Sector Professionals

Good public policy depends on careful analysis of problems, options and impacts. This course teaches policy analysis: problem definition, evidence gathering, stakeholder analysis, option development, cost-benefit and impact assessment, implementation feasibility, policy briefs and monitoring and evaluation.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Policies built on weak analysis often fail or create unintended consequences. You will learn structured methods to advise decision makers.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Policy case studies, option appraisal exercises, brief writing workshops and peer review.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Define policy problems clearly
Gather and assess evidence
Analyse stakeholders and interests
Develop and compare policy options
Assess costs, benefits and impacts
Write concise policy briefs and plan evaluation

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Policy officers and advisers
Public sector managers
Researchers in government
Parliamentary staff
NGO policy staff

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Problem definition
Evidence analysis
Option appraisal
Impact assessment
Policy writing

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Policy Process

09:00–10:08Policy cycle
10:08–11:00Roles
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Roles (continued)
11:45–12:53Evidence-based policy
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Problem and Evidence

09:00–10:08Problem definition
10:08–11:00Data and research
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Data and research (continued)
11:45–12:53Evidence quality
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Options

09:00–10:08Option generation
10:08–11:00Stakeholder analysis
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Stakeholder analysis (continued)
11:45–12:53Appraisal criteria
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Impact Assessment

09:00–10:08Cost-benefit analysis
10:08–11:00Distributional impacts
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Distributional impacts (continued)
11:45–12:53Implementation feasibility
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Advice and Evaluation

09:00–10:08Policy briefs
10:08–11:00Presenting advice
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Presenting advice (continued)
11:45–12:53Monitoring and evaluation
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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