C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August Hsin Chu, August 2012 Policy-making Charles-Henri Montin, Senior Regulatory Expert, Ministry of economy and finance, Paris

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August Summary of Presentation  Definitions of ‘public’ policy  Role of the public servant  Why focus on policy-making?  The policy-making cycle  Tools for better policy-making  Challenges

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August What is Policy? Policies – a proposed or adopted course or principle of action – are usually based on values and interests, that guide how we act in specific circumstances  Individual –I do not walk home alone after 8pm  Family –We do not play loud music late at night  Organisations –Recruitment; Holidays; Complaints;  Political ‘party’ policy –Conservative; Socialist; Liberal  Government public policies

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August Public Policy No single definition, but generally considered as:  The broad framework of ideas and values within which decisions are taken and action, or inaction, is pursued by governments in relation to a particular issue (problem) or set of issues (problems). Public policy is an attempt by government to address a public issue Public Policy ≠ Politics  Policy-making is the process by which governments, usually through the public administration, translate their political vision into programmes and actions to deliver change.

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August Where do public servants fit in? Policy problem, issue, challenge to be addressed Political imperative, promise: decision to act Public administration – civil service: formulate options, develop solutions, implement decisions

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August Nature of Policy Re-active  Policies that respond to emerging issues Pre-active  Policies where there’s been an opportunity to predict, scan, or prepare for future issues, factors, trends or threats Pro-active  Policies that break new ground, are innovative, set and pursue a new vision

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August How are public policies delivered? Direct provision of services – education, health-care Funding – spending / taxation Advocacy Regulation  National  International Agreements / Treaties

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August Types of Policy Vertical (silo-based)  Developed within a single organisational structure – usually a single ministry / related agencies / bodies may also be involved Horizontal (integrated, cross-cutting)  Developed between or among different parts of the organisational structure  Usually one ‘lead’ ministry  Other ministries, agencies or bodies have responsibility for part of the policy issue

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August Why focus on policy-making? Changing environment:  Faster pace, policy challenges are more complex and inter-related External pressures – citizens, business, international community  … for more effective, better quality policies / regulations Economic pressures  … for greater efficiency given fiscal constraints  … for policies that will encourage, support and sustain economic growth

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August What does a policy-making process look like? Different models but should include:  Definition of the problem or policy challenge  Identification of desired outcome/objective  Identification of options to achieve outcome  Analysis of likely impacts, costs of options  Consultation with all relevant stakeholders  Decision process (usually government)  Enactment (if regulatory) & Implementation  Monitoring  Review, Evaluation & Revision

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August Policy-making ‘cycle’

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August Key elements of a quality policy-making process? Outcome rather than output focused Evidence-based Involves all relevant players Designed and implemented to minimise unnecessary burdens or impacts Aims to be pre-active and pro-active Learns from experiences – nationally and internationally

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August Tools for better policy-making? Impact Assessment Consultation Co-ordination Policy and programme reviews Value for Money audits Better regulation

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August Challenges for policy-makers? Policy and… Science  Making use of science to identify issues, public risks, and solutions (beyond precautionary principle) Budget  Identifying and quantifying costs of policy and scheduling corresponding public expenditure Strategic planning & government cycles  Longer-term planning & strategic policy-making (sustainability) Law drafting  Ensuring policy objectives are effectively translated into legislation without excessive burden to society

C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August To continue the study…  Citizens as Partners: OECD Handbook on Information, Consultation and Public Participation in Policy-Making (2001) Citizens as Partners  Focus on Citizens (2009) Focus on Citizens  Further questions contact: finances.gouv.fr