1. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 11 Hsin Chu, August 2012 Policy-making Charles-Henri Montin, Senior Regulatory Expert, Ministry of economy and finance, Paris http://smartregulation.net

2. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 2 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

3. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 3 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

4. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 4 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.

5. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 5 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

6. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 6 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

7. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 7 How are public policies delivered? Direct provision of services – education, health-care Funding – spending / taxation Advocacy Regulation  National  International Agreements / Treaties

8. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 8 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

9. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 9 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

10. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 10 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

11. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 11 Policy-making ‘cycle’

12. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 12 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

13. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 13 Tools for better policy-making? Impact Assessment Consultation Co-ordination Policy and programme reviews Value for Money audits Better regulation

14. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 14 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

15. C.H. Montin, Hsin Chu, August 2012 15 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: charles-henri.montin @ finances.gouv.fr