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This opening section defines the context in which policy briefs are used. This frames an understanding of the role of the policy brief as a communication tool in a research-based advocacy process. Specifically, we cover the following: • Effective advocacy as dialogue • The target audience and realistic aim for a policy brief
Policy briefs are rarely sufficient on their own to achieve a specific policy outcome. They are an effective tool for drawing the attention of policy influencers and decision makers to a specific issue and suggesting opportunities for policy development. But, in practice, a policy brief usually marks only the start of an influencing process.
You need a policy brief. A policy brief presents a concise summary of information that can help readers understand, and likely make decisions about, government policies. Policy briefs may give objective summaries of relevant research, suggest possible policy options, or go even further and argue for particular courses of action.
A policy brief should inform readers of a particular issue, suggest possible policy options, and make recommendations. Be upfront about your purpose from the start, maintain a laser focus on your direction, and link every paragraph back to your purpose.
Writing a policy brief evidences outreach and displays awareness of the impact of research, an increasingly necessary stage in securing grant funding. Most importantly, writing a policy brief can help change policy for the better!
Typical policy briefs have four main functions: to explain and convey the urgency of the issue; to present policy recommendations or implications on the issue; to provide evidence to support the reasoning behind those recommendations; and to point the reader to additional resources on the issue.
01 Decide on your overarching message. 02 Choose an angle/entry point to get your readers interested. 03 Decide on your recommendations. 04 Build a logical line of arguments that lead up to these recommendations. • Clearly explain the subject matter and why it’s urgent. • Never lose sight of your governing idea.
