Ever wondered how the rules that govern our world, life and livelihood are crafted? It’s not just a process. It’s a strategic game with players, plays and real-world impact.
And YOU, yes you, can play a vital role in this transformative game where your voice matters.
In the first part of the ‘You’re not just a spectator!’ series, you learned about the different actors and their roles in shaping policy.
In this second part, I shall unravel the behind-the-scenes of crafting policies. From identifying the issues to executing the playbook.
Simplistically, how policies* are made?
Now, you may ask, why the need to know? That’s the policy maker’s job, not yours. You’ve already have enough on your plate as an individual and/or as an organisation.
Let’s imagine again, the policy game as a massive national tournament of your favourite sport. As with all sports and tournaments, there will be guidelines that shape how we play, compete and interact with each other and between teams. Some call this guidelines the ‘playbook’. If you would like to participate in the game - even if only as a fan, you would need to know the playbook including why and how it generally came about, isn’t it?
Similarly for policies. If you would like to influence and have your voice heard, you would first need to understand the mechanics behind this complex process. It’ll help you time your engagement, know whom to engage as well as prepare your thoughts and feedback.
So let’s get started.
Step 1: Setting the Stage – Identifying the Issue or Opportunity
The policy making process kicks off with the identification of a problem or an opportunity that needs attention. For example, this could be concerns over cleanliness of the air we breathe and the water we drink, affordability of houses and rents, availability of blue-collared jobs, discovery of new minerals, uses of technology, online safety of our children or even if we are getting enough sleep.
Simplistically in a game context, it’s about figuring out what needs fixing and what new strategy is needed to overcome the challenge. It could also be spotting a chance to make the game more enjoyable. Whichever the circumstance, this step involves keen observation, data analysis, and a deep understanding of the players’ needs – in this case, the public.
Know that this process can be initiated by anyone - the civil service, non-governmental organizations, business chambers, student groups, or the public in general (You).
Step 2: Investigating the Game – Research and Analysis
Simplistically, this is all about studying the game and understanding the players, the field and the rules. It’s about figuring out the strengths and weaknesses of the team and opponents. It’s about in-depth research and analysis where data is collected, trends are analysed and experts’ thoughts and opinions are weighed-in. It’s about getting a full picture of the problem or opportunity.
Similarly for policy making. This involves collecting data, analysing trends, studying existing policies (in-country and of other countries), reviewing relevant research and assessing potential solutions. The goal is to have a solid foundation of knowledge to inform the upcoming policy.
Step 3: Designing the Playbook – Proposal and Drafting
Armed with the insights from Step 2, it’s time to design the playbook – the policy proposal, outlining the strategies and moves to address the identified issue or to capture the opportunity. The policy proposal also includes the objectives and legal framework for effective implementation.
Experts, policymakers, and sometimes even the public contribute to this drafting process. Simplistically, it’s like creating a collective strategy to win the game.
Step 4: Game-Day Discussions – Debate, Consultation and Approval
Simplistically, this stage is akin to game-day discussions where stakeholders of the team such as elected officials and players discuss, debate and sometimes argue about their game strategy before the match. Through discussions and votes, the team ultimately decide whether to follow through the proposed strategy.
For policy-making, this is the crucial stage where stakeholder engagement is conducted. Policy makers will seek comments and feedback from various groups and individuals who have a stake in the issue or opportunity through a wide range of channels including public consultations, focus group workshops, surveys, town hall meetings and discussions with subject matter experts. This is where your participation is vital!
Why? – Comments and feedback received, including yours – Yes! Yours – will be used by policy makers to further refine the proposed policy and to develop detailed plan including the scope, legal framework, budgetary considerations and implementation strategies.
The refined policy proposal then heads into the decision-making arena where further evaluation, debate and discussion takes place. This step normally involves the civil service, ministers and elected officials, depending on the policy context and government structure. Ultimately, a decision is made whether to adopt the policy.
However, if the proposed policy involves the creation or requires amendment of laws, this stage will take longer. It will need to go through the legislative process where bills are drafted, committee hearing takes place and the policy debated in the Parliament. This process can take some time, as the bill go through several revisions.
Step 5: Executing the Play – Implementation
Once a policy is approved, it’s time to put the playbook into action. This is the phase where the strategies outlined in the policy are executed and become a reality. Different government ministries, departments and agencies act as the players on the field, executing the plan and ensuring that everyone abides by the new rules. Guidelines are created, appropriate resources allocated and enforcement mechanisms are established.
Simplistically, it’s like watching the strategies come to life during a game.
Step 6: Halftime Review – Monitoring, Evaluation and Adjustment
No game in the world goes perfectly according to plan. There will sure be glitches or unexpected challenges. For example the key player got injured mid-game. This will require a reassessment of the team’s performance, adjustments and tweaking of the game plan. Simplistically, it’s like a halftime or break-time review of the game.
Similarly with the policy journey. There will be periodic evaluations – like the halftime assessment – to see how well the policy is addressing the identified problem or maximising the known opportunities.
Like a game, feedback from the policy monitoring and evaluation process is used to make adjustments to the policy if necessary. Here is yet another opportunity for you to influence the policy. Depending on the policy performance, changing circumstances, and societal shifts, policies can be revised, expanded or terminated.
Everyone’s Game, Everyone’s Rule
Policy is dynamic and it evolves with the world we live, just as game strategies are adjusted season after season, or match after match. Hence, understanding how policies are made can help you get involved, have your voice heard, and make a difference in shaping the rules that affect your life, livelihood and community.
As demonstrated above, policy making involves teamwork, strategy, and a commitment by all to create rules that enhance the well-being of the society.
So, remember - you’re not just a spectator! You’re part of the team. So ready to make a difference. The game of policies is happening around you, all the time. Your actions can shape the rules for a better, fairer and more exciting future for everyone. Are you ready?
*(Note: This guide is based on a general Commonwealth country context. Non-Commonwealth country may have slight variation to their institutional structure and system.)
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