STATEMENT OF FORECAST SERVICE PERFORMANCE FOR 2006/2007

APPENDIX 1

Quality standards for policy advice

Policy advice

Ministers expect to receive policy advice consistent with the following quality standards:

Integrated: advice considers the Government’s priorities and the Department’s goals and has been produced after involvement of all relevant contributors within the Department.
Timeliness: advice is produced in sufficient time to allow thorough consideration prior to decision-making, or within the timeframe agreed with the Minister.
Emerging issues: advice is provided on emerging issues that are not part of the existing work plan.
Issue and objective: a clearly defined issue or objective to be achieved is provided.
Analysis: the analysis is sound and convincing – that is, appropriate analytical techniques are employed, convincing evidence is provided and there is a clear rationale for recommendations made.
Options: all viable options recognising a wider government perspective are identified and addressed.
Consultation: where appropriate, the right individuals, government departments and interest groups are consulted at the right time and their input is used appropriately.
Style and presentation: the report uses a satisfactory style and presentation.
Implementation: where appropriate, information is provided on the implementation of the selected option(s), including feasibility issues, legislative implications, and assessment of fiscal, administrative and compliance costs.
Evaluation strategy: where appropriate, advice includes how proposals have been or will be evaluated.
Impact assessment: advice has considered the implementation impacts on private and public sector stakeholders and customers.

Application of standards

Note that all aspects of the standards may not apply to specific pieces of advice given considerations of urgency or the particular nature of the advice provided.