
Policy brief layout. A short document that presents the findings and recommendations of a research project to a non specialized audience. A policy brief explains an issue its context stakeholders scope and impact. Ensure that everything the reader really needs to know is on the first page. A project brief is that essential document which defines primary clients requirements for the project.
Brief it is important to recognize what a policy brief is not. Guidelines for writing a policy brief 3 succint the type of audiences targeted commonly do not have the time or inclination to read an in depth 20 page argument on a policy problem. It explores any known causes links or relationships involved in the issue. Then fill the sections with content using clear language solid research and your proposed solutions.
A policy brief can be 1 2 or 4 pages but no longer. Nor is it an opinion piece that could suggest implications beyond parameters defined by the supportive evidence. Policy options a federal mandate for annualized case rate packages would require all insurance companies to provide infertility treatment. Finally close the brief with a summary and a call to action to support the solutions youve proposed.
Policy briefs are designed to support more informed evidence based policy making or decision making within relevant agencies or organisations. New zealand aid programme awards for postgraduate field research policy brief guidance and template guidance on developing your policy brief award. Usually not longer than 3000 words. What is a policy brief.
Therefore it is common that policy briefs do not exceed 6 8 pages in length ie. Writing a policy brief step two a policy brief must be easy to read. Typically any project starts with this document. To write a policy brief start by writing a strong summary statement and explain in a concise introduction why the issue is important to your readers.
The length of a policy brief can vary depending on the discipline and content. Next create section headings for your main sections using brief active phrases. Structure is important to get right. And it identifies the implications of these findings for the key actors or the target audience.