Criteria for Assessing the Quality of Policy and Reports

The standards used to assess the quality of policy advice provided to the Minister are:

Purpose

The aim or purpose is clearly stated and it answers the questions set.

Logic

The assumptions behind the advice are explicit, and the argument logical and supported by facts.

Accuracy

The facts are accurate and all material facts are included.

Options

An adequate range of options has been presented and the benefits, costs and consequences of each option are clearly outlined.

Consultation

There is evidence of adequate consultation with interested parties and possible objections to proposals/content are identified.

Practicality

The problems of implementation, technical feasibility, timing or consistency with other policies/reports have been considered.

Presentation

The format meets the stipulated requirements; the material is effectively, concisely and clearly presented, has short sentences in plain English and is free of grammatical or spelling errors.

Quality management

The product quality will be supported by a process that provides for:

• circulation of drafts for critiquing by government agencies and affected stakeholders
• internal peer review and checking procedures
• adherence to the Ministry’s policy framework
• consistency with relevant legislative obligations
• specific requirements set by the Minister.

These standards are applied in all areas where the Ministry provides advice to decision-makers.