This document provides guidance on how to write an effective policy brief. It explains that a policy brief is a short document, typically 2-4 pages, that presents research findings and recommendations to a non-specialized audience. The document outlines a template for a policy brief, including sections for the executive summary, introduction, approaches and results, conclusion, and implications and recommendations. It emphasizes focusing the brief on a single topic, writing for the intended audience, and using design elements like titles, sidebars, callouts, and graphics to engage readers. Readers are advised to check their work by conducting a readability test and removing unnecessary jargon or statistics.
How to write a policy briefThis is a training tool developPazSilviapm
How to write a policy brief
This is a training tool developed by IDRC
Topics
• Planning your policy brief p. 3-12
• Policy brief template p. 13-26
• Designing the brief p. 27-34
• Checking your work p. 35-36
2
Planning your policy brief
3
What is a policy brief?
• A short document that presents the findings and
recommendations of a research project to a non-
specialized audience
• A medium for exploring an issue and distilling lessons
learned from the research
• A vehicle for providing policy advice
4
Work within parameters
A policy brief is:
• A stand alone document
• Focused on a single topic
• No more than 2-4 pages (1,500 words)
5
Writing for your audience
6
Who are your readers?
Ask yourself:
• Who am I writing this brief for?
• How knowledgeable are they about the topic?
• How open are they to the message?
7
How can I reach readers?
• What questions need answers?
• What are their interests, concerns?
• What does it take to reach specific readers such as
media, decision-makers?
8
Use the power of persuasion
• Answer the question “What value does this have for
me?”
• Describe the urgency of the situation
• Speak in terms of benefits and advantages
9
Choosing Your Content
10
Apply a laser focus
• Focus on a single topic
• Define your purpose
• Identify salient points that support the aim
• Distil points to essential info
• Limit yourself to 1,500 words
11
Putting the brief together
12
Policy brief template
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Approach and Results
• Conclusion
• Implications and Recommendations
13
Lead with a short statement
The executive statement will:
• Distil the essence of the brief
• Provide an overview for busy readers
• Entice readers to go further
• Appear on cover or top of first page
• Be written last
14
Example:
Elephants are one of the big five wildlife species; their
survival is one of the holy grails of conservation.
Unfortunately, because of their size and migratory
behaviour, elephants often come in contact with
people. This is especially true in densely populated
southeast Asia. A new study from Sri Lanka looks at
one strategy to address this problem – electric fences.
Elephants and Electric Fences.
A study from Sri Lanka EEPSEA 2005
15
Introduction
• Answers the question why
• Explains the significance/urgency of the issue
• Describes the research objective
• Gives overview of findings, conclusions
• Creates curiosity for the rest of brief
16
Approaches and results
• Provides summary of the facts
• Describes issue and context
• Describes research and analysis
• Should not be overly technical
• Highlight benefits, opportunities
17
Approaches
• Explains how study was conducted
• Relates who conducted study
• Describes relevant background
• Identifies method used to collect data
18
Results: what did we learn?
• Make content easy to follow
• Start by painting a general picture
• Move from general ...
Project Management in Libraries for UCLA IS 410Karen S Calhoun
A 3-hour class introducing project management in libraries, prepared and presented at the invitation of Dr. Beverly Lynch for her 3-credit graduate course "Management Theory and Practice for Information Professional," IS 410 in the UCLA Department of Information Studies.
El como hacer un documento de política a quien va dirigido, que hacer como incluirlo para que, sobre que temas o como se debe construir y que estructura deben tener, como se integran los graficos, recomendaciones generales, que se debe de priorizar, ser concreto, que incluir y que no para quien es necesario que nos propone.
How to write a policy briefThis is a training tool developPazSilviapm
How to write a policy brief
This is a training tool developed by IDRC
Topics
• Planning your policy brief p. 3-12
• Policy brief template p. 13-26
• Designing the brief p. 27-34
• Checking your work p. 35-36
2
Planning your policy brief
3
What is a policy brief?
• A short document that presents the findings and
recommendations of a research project to a non-
specialized audience
• A medium for exploring an issue and distilling lessons
learned from the research
• A vehicle for providing policy advice
4
Work within parameters
A policy brief is:
• A stand alone document
• Focused on a single topic
• No more than 2-4 pages (1,500 words)
5
Writing for your audience
6
Who are your readers?
Ask yourself:
• Who am I writing this brief for?
• How knowledgeable are they about the topic?
• How open are they to the message?
7
How can I reach readers?
• What questions need answers?
• What are their interests, concerns?
• What does it take to reach specific readers such as
media, decision-makers?
8
Use the power of persuasion
• Answer the question “What value does this have for
me?”
• Describe the urgency of the situation
• Speak in terms of benefits and advantages
9
Choosing Your Content
10
Apply a laser focus
• Focus on a single topic
• Define your purpose
• Identify salient points that support the aim
• Distil points to essential info
• Limit yourself to 1,500 words
11
Putting the brief together
12
Policy brief template
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Approach and Results
• Conclusion
• Implications and Recommendations
13
Lead with a short statement
The executive statement will:
• Distil the essence of the brief
• Provide an overview for busy readers
• Entice readers to go further
• Appear on cover or top of first page
• Be written last
14
Example:
Elephants are one of the big five wildlife species; their
survival is one of the holy grails of conservation.
Unfortunately, because of their size and migratory
behaviour, elephants often come in contact with
people. This is especially true in densely populated
southeast Asia. A new study from Sri Lanka looks at
one strategy to address this problem – electric fences.
Elephants and Electric Fences.
A study from Sri Lanka EEPSEA 2005
15
Introduction
• Answers the question why
• Explains the significance/urgency of the issue
• Describes the research objective
• Gives overview of findings, conclusions
• Creates curiosity for the rest of brief
16
Approaches and results
• Provides summary of the facts
• Describes issue and context
• Describes research and analysis
• Should not be overly technical
• Highlight benefits, opportunities
17
Approaches
• Explains how study was conducted
• Relates who conducted study
• Describes relevant background
• Identifies method used to collect data
18
Results: what did we learn?
• Make content easy to follow
• Start by painting a general picture
• Move from general ...
Project Management in Libraries for UCLA IS 410Karen S Calhoun
A 3-hour class introducing project management in libraries, prepared and presented at the invitation of Dr. Beverly Lynch for her 3-credit graduate course "Management Theory and Practice for Information Professional," IS 410 in the UCLA Department of Information Studies.
El como hacer un documento de política a quien va dirigido, que hacer como incluirlo para que, sobre que temas o como se debe construir y que estructura deben tener, como se integran los graficos, recomendaciones generales, que se debe de priorizar, ser concreto, que incluir y que no para quien es necesario que nos propone.
African Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS)
Strategic policy analysis 24 06
by African Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS) on Jun 27, 2012 Edit
10 views
ReSAKSS-AfricaLead Workshop on Strengthening Capacity for Strategic Agricultural Policy and Investment Planning and Implementation in Africa
Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, June 25th‐ 26th 2012
The following resource was developed by RESYST for a research uptake workshop held in Kilifi, Kenya.
In this resource:
- Learn how to develop key messages
- Introduce policy briefs: what, who and why?
- Explore what makes a good policy brief
- Plan a policy brief: audience, messages, problem, recommendations
- Write the outline of a policy brief
- Consider what format and design to use
Find more: http://resyst.lshtm.ac.uk/resources/resource-bank-research-uptake
Kōtuitui Online Teachers Network - Meet the Editors: Journal of Online Learn...Michael Barbour
Editors of the Journal of Online Learning Research, Mary Rice (Editor-in-Chief) and Michael Barbour (Associate Editor) and will provide in-depth information on how to submit a research article to the Practitioner's Corner.
If this sounds like something that you might be interested in pursuing, take advantage of this opportunity to meet and talk with the editors.
Join us for an informal conversation about crafting your work for the Practitioner Corner section. Editors will answer questions about the journal, discuss the submission and review processes, and provide attendees with advice on how to increase the likelihood of publication.
One of the graduation requirements: Having a research paper based on dissertation published or have obtained an acceptance of publication by a peer reviewed journal or conference proceeding
Climb to success
Begin
No return
Dream big
Reach the top
Success
Scientific research and its publication
A process and the research process
Writing and submitting a paper to a journal
Other processes in research
Literagure review
Research design
Qualitative research
Conclusion
The review process
African Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS)
Strategic policy analysis 24 06
by African Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System (ReSAKSS) on Jun 27, 2012 Edit
10 views
ReSAKSS-AfricaLead Workshop on Strengthening Capacity for Strategic Agricultural Policy and Investment Planning and Implementation in Africa
Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, June 25th‐ 26th 2012
The following resource was developed by RESYST for a research uptake workshop held in Kilifi, Kenya.
In this resource:
- Learn how to develop key messages
- Introduce policy briefs: what, who and why?
- Explore what makes a good policy brief
- Plan a policy brief: audience, messages, problem, recommendations
- Write the outline of a policy brief
- Consider what format and design to use
Find more: http://resyst.lshtm.ac.uk/resources/resource-bank-research-uptake
Kōtuitui Online Teachers Network - Meet the Editors: Journal of Online Learn...Michael Barbour
Editors of the Journal of Online Learning Research, Mary Rice (Editor-in-Chief) and Michael Barbour (Associate Editor) and will provide in-depth information on how to submit a research article to the Practitioner's Corner.
If this sounds like something that you might be interested in pursuing, take advantage of this opportunity to meet and talk with the editors.
Join us for an informal conversation about crafting your work for the Practitioner Corner section. Editors will answer questions about the journal, discuss the submission and review processes, and provide attendees with advice on how to increase the likelihood of publication.
One of the graduation requirements: Having a research paper based on dissertation published or have obtained an acceptance of publication by a peer reviewed journal or conference proceeding
Climb to success
Begin
No return
Dream big
Reach the top
Success
Scientific research and its publication
A process and the research process
Writing and submitting a paper to a journal
Other processes in research
Literagure review
Research design
Qualitative research
Conclusion
The review process
Understanding the Challenges of Street ChildrenSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
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Monitoring Health for the SDGs - Global Health Statistics 2024 - WHOChristina Parmionova
The 2024 World Health Statistics edition reviews more than 50 health-related indicators from the Sustainable Development Goals and WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work. It also highlights the findings from the Global health estimates 2021, notably the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on life expectancy and healthy life expectancy.
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Presentation by Jared Jageler, David Adler, Noelia Duchovny, and Evan Herrnstadt, analysts in CBO’s Microeconomic Studies and Health Analysis Divisions, at the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists Summer Conference.
Donate to charity during this holiday seasonSERUDS INDIA
For people who have money and are philanthropic, there are infinite opportunities to gift a needy person or child a Merry Christmas. Even if you are living on a shoestring budget, you will be surprised at how much you can do.
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-to-donate-to-charity-during-this-holiday-season/
#charityforchildren, #donateforchildren, #donateclothesforchildren, #donatebooksforchildren, #donatetoysforchildren, #sponsorforchildren, #sponsorclothesforchildren, #sponsorbooksforchildren, #sponsortoysforchildren, #seruds, #kurnool
4. What is a policy brief?
• A short document that presents the findings and
recommendations of a research project to a non-
specialized audience
• A medium for exploring an issue and distilling lessons
learned from the research
• A vehicle for providing policy advice
4
5. Work within parameters
A policy brief is:
• A stand alone document
• Focused on a single topic
• No more than 2-4 pages (1,500 words)
5
7. Who are your readers?
Ask yourself:
• Who am I writing this brief for?
• How knowledgeable are they about the topic?
• How open are they to the message?
7
8. How can I reach readers?
• What questions need answers?
• What are their interests, concerns?
• What does it take to reach specific readers such as
media, decision-makers?
8
9. Use the power of persuasion
• Answer the question “What value does this have for
me?”
• Describe the urgency of the situation
• Speak in terms of benefits and advantages
9
11. Apply a laser focus
• Focus on a single topic
• Define your purpose
• Identify salient points that support the aim
• Distil points to essential info
• Limit yourself to 1,500 words
11
13. Policy brief template
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Approach and Results
• Conclusion
• Implications and Recommendations
13
14. Lead with a short statement
The executive statement will:
• Distil the essence of the brief
• Provide an overview for busy readers
• Entice readers to go further
• Appear on cover or top of first page
• Be written last
14
15. Example:
Elephants are one of the big five wildlife species; their
survival is one of the holy grails of conservation.
Unfortunately, because of their size and migratory
behaviour, elephants often come in contact with
people. This is especially true in densely populated
southeast Asia. A new study from Sri Lanka looks at
one strategy to address this problem – electric fences.
Elephants and Electric Fences.
A study from Sri Lanka EEPSEA 2005
15
16. Introduction
• Answers the question why
• Explains the significance/urgency of the issue
• Describes the research objective
• Gives overview of findings, conclusions
• Creates curiosity for the rest of brief
16
17. Approaches and results
• Provides summary of the facts
• Describes issue and context
• Describes research and analysis
• Should not be overly technical
• Highlight benefits, opportunities
17
18. Approaches
• Explains how study was conducted
• Relates who conducted study
• Describes relevant background
• Identifies method used to collect data
18
19. Results: what did we learn?
• Make content easy to follow
• Start by painting a general picture
• Move from general to specific
• Base conclusions on results
19
20. Example:
Do the Fences Work?
Overall it was found that although the electric fencing
does help…it is not capable of completely eliminating
conflict. In each…area…technical as well as socio-
economic factors affect….success. Technical failures
mainly affected the early fences…Other problems
resulted from failure to take into account elephant
behaviour and distribution patterns.
Elephants and Electric Fences.
A study from Sri Lanka EEPSEA 2005
20
21. Conclusion: what does it mean?
• Use section to interpret data
• Aim for concrete conclusions
• Express ideas using strong assertions
• Ensure ideas are balanced and defensible
• If hypothesis was abandoned, explain why
21
22. Example:
Overall, it was found that although electric fencing
does help mitigate human elephant conflict, it is not
capable of completely eliminating the conflict. A social
factor that affected the success of electric fences was
whether the local community supported the project in
their area. Community support was critical in several
ways.
Elephants and Electric Fences.
A study from Sri Lanka EEPSEA 2005
22
23. Implications and recommendations
• Implications are what could happen
• Recommendations are what should happen
• Both flow from conclusion
• Both must be supported by evidence
23
24. Implications: if… then…
• Describe what the researcher thinks will be the
consequences
• Less direct than recommendations
• Useful when advice not requested
• Softer approach but still can be persuasive
24
25. Recommendations: call to action
• Describe clearly what should happen next
• State as precise steps
• Ensure they are relevant, credible and feasible
25
26. Example:
A successful strategy to deal with the elephant
problem must be much more far-reaching than it is at
present. Such a strategy should include a
comprehensive land use planning exercise where
elephant habitats….are grouped and
interconnected…The elephants’ habitat should then be
enriched and fenced.
Elephants and Electric Fences.
A study from Sri Lanka EEPSEA 2005
26
28. Titles: add a little jazz
• Titles are a reference point
• Sub-titles break up text
• Both should entice readers
• Similar to headline writing
• Verb make them more dynamic
• Questions can pique curiosity
28
29. Sidebars can add extra depth
• Is extra to main discussion
• Is meant to “hook” reader
• Sidebars should be:
Short
Descriptive
Stimulating (ask questions)
Focused on action
29
30. Example:
Repair Bill Could Reach $250 Million
The Mozambique government estimates that it will cost $250
million to repair the damage from the cyclone and floods that
struck Mozambique in February 2000. Early reports of the
damage included the destruction of the following
infrastructure: a key rail link used to bring in fuel and goods
from Zimbabwe and South Africa; hundreds of kilometres of
roads, which are fundamental to market reforms, among
other things; electricity and telephone lines: more than 140
schools; and health centres.
30
31. Callouts
• Sentences or sentence fragments
• Printed in larger fonts
• Boxed or placed in margins
31
36. Think ahead and look back
• Conduct a 20-second test: what stood out?
• Try to make it more user friendly
• Go on a jargon hunt
• Don’t overuse statistics
• Check arguments, proof, persuasion
• Build a Q and A package
36