Policy advice - quality standards

The standards for policy advice are set out below.

• The aim or purpose is clearly stated and the advice addresses the issues or questions posed.

• The problem or issue to address is identified, including underlying causes, size and materiality.

• The context for advice is set out, including wider Government policy, relevant legislation and Ministry policy frameworks.

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

• The facts are accurate and all material facts are included.

• An adequate range of options has been presented and each has been assessed for benefits, costs and consequences to the Government and affected stakeholders.

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

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

• The product quality will be supported by a process that provides for circulation of drafts for critiquing by other government agencies, other affected stakeholders, and managerial and other internal peer review and checking procedures.

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