Policy implementation

It may seem like the most important part of policy development is getting a policy adopted. However, this is only the first stage.

Implementation is the process of executing a specific policy or plan. While a strategy outlines the plan of action for a policy, implementation puts this plan into operation!

3 step guide to policy implementation

1. Develop a strategy or plan of action for your policy with relevant stakeholders
2. Align your strategy/plan to the wider context (this could be local/national/regional/global)
3. Execute and monitor your policy with clear roles and responsibilities

Implementation design

Effective policy implementation is very similar to other implementation designs:

1. Identify purpose, objectives, results, and activities
2. Consider relevant actors and their interests
3. Identify resources, enablers/barriers, and timeframes
4. Articulate in a project management framework, e.g. logic model/theory of change
5. Action as scoped
6. Evaluate against success on an ongoing basis

When implementing a policy, it is important to keep referring to the key components of good policy – steps 2.3 and 2.4 of this course and the Policy Coherence Toolkit.

Reflect

What are the challenges in implementing policies effectively?

Share your thoughts and experiences below.