Critical Thinking & Problem Solving for Policy Professionals

Purposeful questioning to improve policy objectives

- Identify key policy questions

- Utilise pivotal models and techniques 

- Align policy with laws and regulations

Delve deeper into policy analysis and evaluation

- Iterative analysis to avoid risk

- Reflect critically on influencing factors

- Consider wider implications

Challenge assumptions and address policy prejudice

- Engage in focused questioning

- Create evidence-based policy 

- Analyse real-world scenarios: identify and mitigate bias 

Produce clearer evaluation criteria

- Develop practical strategies for selecting effective solutions

- Critically analyse policy against the established criteria

- Apply criteria to policy solutions

Make informed decisions with system dynamics

- Understand feedback loops, causal relationships, and system mapping

- Analyse stakeholder interplay and external factors

- Use scenario planning to anticipate outcomes

Enhance stakeholder engagement and consensus building

- Better identify stakeholders and their policy interests

- Develop communication and collaboration strategies

- Negotiate and resolve conflicts

Improve outcomes with effective problem solving

- Apply problem solving to implement policy strategically

- Assess outcomes within a clear monitoring and evaluation framework

- Measure impact, reflect on findings, and adjust policy settings

Embed ethics and sustainability in policy development

- Explore ethical considerations in policy making

- Evaluate policies for long-term sustainability and resilience

- Incorporate principles of equity, justice, and social responsibility into policy frameworks