How to Write a Policy Brief

How to write a policy brief This is a training tool developed by IDRC Topics • Planning your policy brief p. 3-12 • Policy brief template p. 13-26 • Designing the brief p. 27-34 • Checking your work p. 35-36 2 Planning your policy brief 3 What is a policy brief? [...] A study from Sri Lanka EEPSEA 2005 15 Introduction • Answers the question why • Explains the significance/urgency of the issue • Describes the research objective • Gives overview of findings, conclusions • Creates curiosity for the rest of brief 16 Approaches and results • Provides summary of the facts • Describes issue and context • Describes research and analysis • Should not be overly technical [...] A study from Sri Lanka EEPSEA 2005 22 Implications and recommendations • Implications are what could happen • Recommendations are what should happen • Both flow from conclusion • Both must be supported by evidence 23 Implications: if… then… • Describe what the researcher thinks will be the consequences • Less direct than recommendations • Useful when advice not requested • Softer approach but stil [...] A study from Sri Lanka EEPSEA 2005 26 Designing the policy brief 27 Titles: add a little jazz • Titles are a reference point • Sub-titles break up text • Both should entice readers • Similar to headline writing • Verb make them more dynamic • Questions can pique curiosity 28 Sidebars can add extra depth • Is extra to main discussion • Is meant to “hook” reader • Sidebars should be: Short Descr