Enhancing our policy advice
The Ministry is using three tools in its drive to enhance the quality of its policy advice around the environment and economy.
This is happening in the context of the Ministry’s Strategic Direction and new organisational culture developing in the Ministry.
The Strategic Direction outlines how the Ministry is achieving its mission – Environmental stewardship for a prosperous New Zealand – and how employees are encouraged to approach their work.
Within that, senior policy employees are expected to mentor and look out for development opportunities for less experienced employees.
The three policy tools are:
- COBRA
- Professionalising Policy
- Quality assessment
COBRA
COBRA provides Ministry employees with concepts, frameworks and tools to use in developing quality policy advice. It helps identify opportunities, risks and alternative options.
COBRA is used across the Ministry. It provides a common approach and language to policy development.
- View the Cobra policy guide (PDF, 2 MB)
Professionalising Policy
This guide helps employees develop their skills and career in policy analysis. It helps them plan their development and acquire new skills and experience. It also helps them identify development opportunities.
- View PANDA policy guide (PDF, 1.5 MB)
Quality assessment
The Ministry reviews the quality of its policy advice every four months. A random sample of policy papers is selected and assessed by a panel against objective criteria.
This process ensures the Ministry tracks improvement to the quality of its policy advice. It also ensures employees receive objective feedback on their policy work.
- View Quality assessment criteria for policy advice (PDF, 400 KB)
Last updated: 9 June 2011
