1. Open Policy Making Working Group Meeting (WG3): Minutes
8th
April, Left Auditorium, Cabinet Office, 1 Horse Guards Road (HMT entrance)
Welcome and introductions: Maria Nyberg, Head of Open Policy Making
Maria welcomed members of this inaugural meeting of the OPM working group and gave an
overview of what we mean by Open Policy Making. If you would like a copy of the OPM Model
please let us know.
Ways of working: Rachel, Open Policy Making Team
Rachel introduced the Terms of Reference (TOR) of the group (please refer to Annex A). The key
purpose of the group is for to provide a collaborative space for members to share progress practical
examples and emerging issues related to OPM, as well as forging networks across departmental
boundaries. We highlighted the alignment with the PPSU Working Level Contact Group and that we
work closely to minimise duplication.
Policy Lab Project: Cat, Home Office and Beatrice, OPM Team
Beatrice gave an overview of the Policy Lab, which was formally launched last week with the
appointment of Dr Andrea Siodmok as its new Head. Policy Lab will trial policy techniques from
user-led design to data science, applying them to policy projects that are part of the Lab. The Lab
is likely to take on 3-5 policyprojects in its first year and we will share the insights from those
projects with the group.
Cat gave an overview of the Home Office/Surrey and Sussex Police project. It is the first project to
be taken through the Lab. The project is in its initial stages but will look at how to improve people’s
experience of reporting crime. This is set in the context of the need to reduce demand on police
services and the potential of digital technology and automation to enable that, whilst maintaining a
level of service that meets the needs of citizens. We will share progress with the group.
Actions:
• Working Group members to indicate whether they would like to shadow Policy Lab projects by e-
mailing the OPM Team (openpolicymaking@cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk)
Future meetings: content
The group agreed that it would be useful to have a forward look of content and that a potential next theme
for the meeting would be digital. Many thanks to MoJ for volunteering to talk about their Digital SPRINT
event, and to MoJ, DH and HMRC for volunteering to chair future meetings.

2. Open Policy Making Working Group Meeting (WG3): Minutes
8th
April, Left Auditorium, Cabinet Office, 1 Horse Guards Road (HMT entrance)
Actions:
• OPM Team to liaise with volunteer departments on the logistics of subsequent meetings
• OPM Team to create a forward look for meetings and share with the group
AOB and close of meeting
• The SPRINT Policy event will be held on 19th
May, and an invitation will be sent to members of this
group. Please remind your HoPP and Digital Leader of the event and secure it in their diaries.
• CS Live: OPM will be at Civil Service Live this year and are keen for your feedback on what you would
like to hear. You can do that via our dedicated LinkedIn discussion.
• L&D opportunity: GDS have organised a masterclass on the digital landscape. Please disseminate
amongst your colleagues.
• Kal (FCO) promoted the FCO Policy Fair (9 April) and invited members to attend.
A full list of attendees is included at Annex B. If you have any comment/amends to this note then please
let us know.

3. Open Policy Making Working Group Meeting (WG3): Minutes
8th
April, Left Auditorium, Cabinet Office, 1 Horse Guards Road (HMT entrance)
Annex A: Terms of Reference
Group Purpose
The Open Policy Making (OPM) Working Group will provide a forum for members from across
government departments to:
1. share progress on championing and embedding OPM; across departments, enabling
members to learn from each other;
2. raise emerging issues and troubleshoot them within the group;
3. network and forge connections across departments; and
4. escalate any issues or requests to the Cabinet Office OPM team.
Members:
Membership of the group will comprise up to two representatives from departments across
government. Usually, members will have a role in supporting Heads of Policy Profession in
championing OPM in their department.
Organisation:
• Meetings will be held bimonthly with a rotating departmental chair. They will be held in the
host department building and this will be communicated to members by the OPM team in
advance.
• The OPM Team will perform the secretariat function for the group. This includes drafting the
agenda in collaboration with members, recording the actions and follow up.
• Where members are unable to attend a meeting, they will be encouraged to field a deputy.

4. Open Policy Making Working Group Meeting (WG3): Minutes
8th
April, Left Auditorium, Cabinet Office, 1 Horse Guards Road (HMT entrance)
Annex B - List of attendees
Name Dept
Helen Whitehead BIS
Joe Taylor CO
Anna Shotbolt CO
Tom Tagg DECC
Yvette Bosworth Defra
Helen Webster Defra
Oliver Clarke DfE
Ellen Wratten DfID
Mark Dinsdale DH
Kalada Bruce-Jaja FCO
Louise Downe GDS
Cate Hasnain GO Science
Barbara Conroy HMRC
Gideon Winward HO
Cat Drew HO
Keith HSE
Lucy Jones Justice
Kate Shiner Justice
Ben Merrick MOD
Helen Anderson PPSU
Charles Coombes WAG