Quality Standards for Analysis and Advice
The Treasury reviewed and revised its quality standards for policy analysis and advice during the year. The new standards, which were published in the Statement of Intent 2008-2013, are being implemented in the 2008/09 financial year.
| Quality Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Purpose | The objective for the advice is clearly stated; it answers any financial and economic issues raised by the Minister and it demonstrates a clear understanding of the desired outcome(s) of the Government and/or the Minister. |
| Problem definition | Any public policy problem, including the underlying causes, size and materiality of issues, is identified and supported by data or other evidence. |
| Context | It is clear where the advice stands in the context of the wider policy process, including what has already been undertaken and what is expected to occur in the future. CCMAU's advice is undertaken in the context of the Government's ownership expectations for SOEs and/or CRIs. |
| Logic | An appropriate analytical framework is used. Assumptions behind the advice are explicit and the argument is logical and supported by facts. |
| Accuracy | All material facts are present and accurate. Known gaps that could significantly affect the conclusions are identified and the range of uncertainty stated. Forecasts are credible at the time they are produced and take into account all relevant information. |
| Options | A range of options is presented that provides clearly differentiated choices and these are rigorously evaluated against the analytical framework. Costs, benefits, consequences and risks/opportunities of the options are assessed as part of the analysis. Where it is not appropriate to use a range of options the reasons are clearly stated. |
| Recommendations | Recommendations are clear, logical and action oriented and can stand alone from the rest of the advice. They are sufficient to enable a decision to be made on the proposal or to move to the next decision/action point. |
| Consultation | Evidence of thorough and timely consultation with other government departments and interested parties is presented, and their views, including objections, incorporated as appropriate. |
| Practicality | Issues of implementation, technical feasibility, practicality and timing are considered and advice accurately identifies compliance, transitional, political, legislative, revenue, expense and administrative implications and costs (quantified where possible). |
| Communication | Guidance is provided on how communications arising from decisions on the advice should be handled, including an assessment of key stakeholders who should be informed and how. |
| Presentation |
Material is presented to suit the target audience and:
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Note: All aspects of the standards may not apply to specific pieces of policy advice, given considerations of urgency or the particular nature of the advice to be provided. For instance, much of our work is second opinion advice on other departments' proposals often undertaken under tight time pressures.
