• Step 1. Regularly review and improve

    Effective policy development does not end with its implementation. Ensuring that an instrument remains current, fit for purpose and aligned with its original intent requires ongoing maintenance and evaluation.  

    As the social, economic and technological landscapes evolve, our instruments must adapt to remain relevant and effective. Without regular evaluation, an instrument can become outdated, fail to address emerging challenges, or drift from its intended goals. Regular review or evaluation is essential to measure performance, identify areas for improvement and ensure that the instrument continues to deliver value.

    By embedding regular evaluation into the lifecycle, we can ensure that the instruments created are not only maintained but continuously improved to meet the evolving needs of government, industry, and the public.

    Review and evaluate

    There are multiple ways you can conduct a review or evaluation. You can approach it similar to the alpha and beta phases, conducting usability testing and engaging with stakeholders. You can also follow guidance from the Commonwealth Evaluation Policy.

    The Commonwealth Evaluation Policy and associated Commonwealth Evaluation Toolkit provide a best-practice framework for conducting evaluations. The policy aims to embed a culture of evaluation and learning from experience to underpin evidence based policy and delivery. It applies to all Commonwealth entities and companies subject to the Public Governance, Performance and Accountability (PGPA) Act 2013. The toolkit provides an overview of evaluation concepts and approaches. It also provides guidance on how to conduct different kinds of evaluations, both formal and informal. Many of the tools in the toolkit can also be used to evaluate other instruments in addition to policies.  

    Develop a plan to monitor  

    You should develop a plan to monitor and review your solution regularly.

    Conduct a policy impact assessment

    A policy impact assessment will help you understand and analyse the solution’s performance.

    Resources

     

    Off

  • Tell us what you think

    This toolkit is designed as a dynamic resource intended to evolve and improve over time.

    The DTA is releasing this toolkit as an alpha version to get your feedback on the initial prototype. Help us build and improve on the toolkit, by sharing your experience with us.

  • Next: Resources

    Policy toolkit: aplha

  • Phase 3: Alpha

  • Phase 5: Live

  • Tell us what you think

    This toolkit is designed as a dynamic resource intended to evolve and improve over time.

    The DTA is releasing this toolkit as an alpha version to get your feedback on the initial prototype. Help us build and improve on the toolkit, by sharing your experience with us.

  • Phase 4: Beta

  • Resources

    Pre-discovery

    Discovery

    Alpha

    Beta

    Live

  • Tell us what you think

    This toolkit is designed as a dynamic resource intended to evolve and improve over time.

    The DTA is releasing this toolkit as an alpha version to get your feedback on the initial prototype. Help us build and improve on the toolkit, by sharing your experience with us.

  • Next: Resources

    Policy toolkit: alpha

  • Criterion 8 – Innovate with purpose

  • Tell us what you think

    This toolkit is designed as a dynamic resource intended to evolve and improve over time.

    The DTA is releasing this toolkit as an alpha version to get your feedback on the initial prototype. Help us build and improve on the toolkit, by sharing your experience with us.

  • Tell us what you think

    This toolkit is designed as a dynamic resource intended to evolve and improve over time.

    The DTA is releasing this toolkit as an alpha version to get your feedback on the initial prototype. Help us build and improve on the toolkit, by sharing your experience with us.

  • Desktop research

  • This template is designed to assist policy developers conduct effective desktop research during the pre-discovery phase of the policy development process. The aim is to provide a structured approach to gathering and synthesising relevant information to inform the early stages of policy ideation and development. Remember to save your own version of this document before making any changes.

    Download Desktop Research Template 

  • Downloadable template

    This template is designed to assist policy developers conduct effective desktop research during the pre-discovery phase of the policy development process. The aim is to provide a structured approach to gathering and synthesising relevant information to inform the early stages of policy ideation and development. Remember to save your own version of this document before making any changes.

    .docx version

  • Purpose of desktop research

    Objective

    Clearly define the purpose of your desktop research. Identify what you aim to achieve and how the research will support the policy development process.

    Example: "To gather background information on existing government policies, international best practices, and academic perspectives on digital transformation in public services."

    Key research questions

    Define core questions: Frame the research around key questions that guide your search. These should be aligned with the policy problem you are addressing. For example:

    • What existing policies or guidelines govern digital transformation in public services in Australia?
    • What are the key challenges government agencies face in implementing digital transformation initiatives?
    • What are the emerging trends or technologies that could impact digital service delivery?

    Sources of information

    Internal sources

    Use credible external sources to gather data and insights. Consider the following categories:

    • Government reports: Australian government policies, international government frameworks, case studies, or white papers.
    • Academic literature: Journal articles, research papers, or studies relevant to the policy area.
    • Industry reports: White papers, insights from tech firms, or industry experts on emerging trends.
    • Global Best practices: Policies or case studies from GovUK, GovUS, or other international peers relevant to this policy initiative.

    Research methodology

    Search strategy

    Outline the methodology for conducting desktop research, such as:

    • Keywords. List primary and secondary keywords for searches (e.g., “digital transformation,” “public service delivery,” “technology adoption in government”).
    • Databases/Platforms. Identify the platforms you will use for research (e.g., Google Scholar, Australian Government Archives, academic journal databases).
    • Timeframe. Define the timeframe of publications that are most relevant (e.g., last 5 years, 10 years).

    Synthesising research findings

    Key themes and insights

    Summarise the major themes or trends identified in your research. For example: 

    • "Increased use of automation and AI in public services; focus on citizen-centric service delivery."
    Policy gaps or challenges

    Identify any gaps or challenges in existing policies or practices. For example:

    • "Limited guidance on integrating new technologies with existing legacy systems."
    Opportunities for innovation

    Highlight any innovative approaches or strategies that can inform your policy development. For example: 

    • "GovUK's agile approach to digital policy development could be adapted to fit Australia's digital transformation objectives."

    Limitations of research

    Gaps in available information

    Identify any limitations or gaps in the information available through desktop research. For example: 

    • "Limited recent studies on the impacts of digital transformation on small agencies in Australia."
    Assumptions

    Highlight any assumptions made during research. For example: 

    • "Assumed that the findings from international case studies are transferable to the Australian context."

    Next steps

    Further research needs

    Specify any areas where further research or consultation is required. For example: 

    • "Further stakeholder engagement needed with agencies involved in digital transformation projects."

    Transition to discovery phase

    Provide guidance on how this research will inform the discovery phase of the policy development process. For example: 

    • "Research findings will shape the user needs analysis and the consultation plan for key stakeholders."

    References

    Ensure all sources of information are properly cited using a consistent referencing format. For example: 

  • Policy template

  • Downloadable template

    This template provides a clear and structured format for a government policy, ensuring all necessary components are included for clarity and effective implementation across agencies. Remember to save your own version of this document before making any changes.

    .docx version

  • Digital Experience Toolkit

    Create simple, clear and fast digital government services.

  • Purpose

    This section outlines the primary objective of the policy. It explains why the policy is being introduced and the outcomes it intends to achieve. For example:

    • The purpose of this policy is to [state the reason for the policy's existence], ensuring [expected outcomes for agencies, stakeholders, or processes].

    Policy background

    This section provides context for the policy, including any historical or strategic factors that led to its development. It may reference relevant government strategies, reviews, or prior policies. For example:

    • This policy was developed in response to [context or background]. It aligns with [government strategy, review findings, or existing policies].

    Authority

    This section cites the legislative or regulatory authority under which the policy is issued, including any relevant acts, government decisions, or ministerial approvals. For example: 

    • This policy is issued under the authority of [name of act, regulation, or directive] and in accordance with [ministerial decision or other legal authorisation].

    Applicability

    This section defines the scope of the policy by identifying the government agencies, sectors, or entities to which the policy applies. It may also cover the circumstances under which the policy is relevant. For example:

    • This policy applies to all [government departments/agencies] engaged in [specific activities or processes] from [effective date].

    Definitions

    This section provides definitions for key terms used within the policy. Clear definitions help avoid ambiguity and ensure consistent interpretation. For example: 

    • Term 1: Definition
    • Term 2: Definition

    Policy objectives

    This section describes the goals and intended outcomes of the policy. It should align with the purpose and articulate the broader objectives the policy seeks to achieve. For example, the the objectives of this policy are to:

    1. [Objective 1]
    2. [Objective 2]
    3. [Objective 3]

    Policy statements

    This section outlines the key policy directives, principles, or actions. It provides the core details about how the policy will be implemented and what is required of agencies. For example: 

    • [Government agencies] must [specific action required], in accordance with [principles or standards].

    Policy requirements

    This section specifies the detailed obligations and procedures that agencies must follow to comply with the policy. It may include timelines, reporting requirements, or performance measures. For example:

    • Agencies are required to [action], submit [report], and meet [performance standards] by [timeframe].

    Eligibility criteria

    This section specifies the criteria that entities or agencies must meet to be eligible under the policy. It may also include any exclusions or exceptions. For example:

    • To be eligible under this policy, agencies must [state eligibility criteria]. Agencies that do not meet these criteria are not subject to [specific policy requirements].

    Policy exemptions

    This section identifies any exemptions to the policy and the criteria for granting them. It may include processes for agencies to request exemptions and how they will be assessed. For example:

    • Agencies may apply for exemptions under [specific conditions]. Exemptions must be approved by [relevant authority], and justification must include [criteria for exemptions].

    Roles and responsibilities

    This section outlines the roles and responsibilities of key stakeholders in implementing the policy, including government departments, oversight bodies, and senior officials. For example:

    • Department of [X]: Responsible for [specific role].
    • Agency Heads: Ensure compliance with policy requirements.

    • Oversight Committee: Review performance and adherence to the policy.

      Policy monitoring and compliance

    This section describes how compliance with the policy will be monitored and evaluated. It may outline the roles of oversight bodies, reporting requirements, and penalties for non-compliance. For example:

    • Compliance with this policy will be monitored by [oversight body], and agencies must provide [type of reports or audits]. Non-compliance may result in [consequences or penalties].

    Review and amendment

    This section details how and when the policy will be reviewed, including the process for updating or amending the policy in response to changing circumstances. For example: 

    • This policy will be reviewed [annually/every two years], and amendments will be made as required to reflect changes in [relevant factors].

    Related documents

    This section lists any other documents, policies, or guidelines related to this policy that should be consulted. For example:

    • This policy should be read in conjunction with:
      • [Related Policy 1]
      • [Guideline 2]
      • [Document 3]

    Contact information

    This section provides the contact details for the department or agency responsible for implementing and managing the policy, including any relevant support or inquiries. For example:

    • For further information regarding this policy, please contact
      • [Department/Agency Name]
      • [Email/Phone]

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