The process of policy analysis begins by identifying potential policies that could address a problem. This requires a clear understanding of the problem, as well as the ability to identify solutions. To help you get started, CDC’s Policy Analysis Worksheet provides questions that can be used as a framework for your analysis. It also includes a policy analysis table to help you organize your findings.

The Policy Analysis Worksheet is available in PDF and Word formats. Please note that you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open the PDF version of the worksheet. The Word document version of the worksheet allows you to insert your own questions and notes, as well as provide comments.

Public affairs is a field of practice that involves the management and communication of issues and information between an organisation and the wider public. It encompasses government relations, media communications, corporate and social responsibility and information dissemination. It aims to find common ground with stakeholders and to build and maintain a good reputation. It may also involve lobbying on issues which could impact upon an organisation’s ability to operate successfully.

Policy analysts use a wide range of analytical techniques to understand the impact of policy-making and the ways in which it can be improved. They are able to break complex issues down into manageable parts and critical features, and communicate them clearly in a way that can be understood by non-experts. This is a highly transferable skill, which can be applied to any kind of policy area.

Developing an in-depth understanding of the interplay between policy and governance is central to the successful delivery of an intervention or project. This is particularly important when the intervention is aimed at addressing a public policy issue. Policy analysis must go beyond a review of existing documents, and should instead comprise a reality check assessment which fully captures the interests and capacities of partner governments, institutions and sectors.