Appendix C: Policy Advice/Ministerial Servicing Standards

Quantity

Completion or advancement of policy projects/ministerial communication estimated targets as agreed between the Minister and the Chief Executive in the course of the year. Assessed by comparison against agreed milestones and agreed timelines.

Coverage

Provision of a comprehensive service: the capacity to react urgently, the regular evaluation of government policy impacts on outcomes, and timely and relevant briefings on significant issues; support for the Minister as required in Cabinet committees, select committees, in the House and in the execution of his or her duties. Assessed by the Minister's satisfaction as reported in the half-yearly response sheet.

Quality

All policy advice/ministerial communications must be in accordance with the following quality standards:

• the aims of the papers will have been clearly stated and they will answer the questions that have been set
• assumptions behind the advice will be clear, and the argument logical and supported by accurate facts
• expenditure forecasts will be based on logical and clear assumptions
• sales forecasts will be based on the mid-point of known market demands and best projections
• all material facts will be included
• an adequate range of options will be presented and assessed for benefits, costs and consequences to the economy
• evidence will exist of adequate consultation with interested parties, where applicable, and possible objections to proposals will be identified
• problems of implementation, technical feasibility, timing and consistency with other policies will be considered, and
• material presented will be effectively summarised in plain English which is concise, free of spelling and grammatical errors, and will meet ministerial and Cabinet Office requirements.

Where appropriate, written and verbal advice tendered to the Minister will accurately reflect:

• economic implications
• revenue and expense implications (quantified where possible), and
• administrative implications and costs (quantified where possible).

Quality management

Product quality will be supported by a quality management process, including:

• external review of scope and methodology for major analytical work
• internal peer review and quality assurance procedures
• circulation of drafts for comment by other government agencies and other parties as appropriate
• sign-offs by senior managers, and
• a six-monthly assessment being sought from the Minister.

Timeliness

Specified reporting deadlines will be met. Assessed by comparison against deadlines set, agreed and modified in the course of the year.

Cost

The outturn is within budget. Assessed by comparison of outturn with the Estimates of Appropriations.

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