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.

Purpose, objective and outcome

In the live phase you will complete regular reviews or evaluations which will inform how you update the solution. You will need to record all processes, feedback and updates in an accessible repository.  

  • Purpose: to ensure that the solution remains effective, responsive to feedback, and aligned with its intended goals.
  • Outcome: the solution continues to meet its intent and users’ needs over time.
  • Output: a well-maintained solution (e.g. policy) that is regularly reviewed and updated as needed.
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 Without regular evaluation, an instrument can become outdated, fail to address emerging challenges, or drift from its intended goals.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

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: 

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