1. Pre-Summit Workshop
6 February 2017
Summit
7 & 8 February 2017
Post-Summit Workshop
9 & 10 February 2017
Rydges World Square, Sydney
Innovative skills, tools, practices and thinking for Policy
Professionals to implement in NSW Government
Exploring the latest approaches to
policymaking in NSW Government
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS
Book & Pay by 4 November 2016 to
receive an additional Value Plus Discount!
Phone: +61 2 8239 9711
www.liquidlearning.com
Booking Code - W
Optimal mastering of essential skills
for all stages of policymaking
Enhancing communicative
techniques for influential stakeholder
engagement
Innovative data analysis for
advanced and effective policy
development
The NSW
Policy Officers
Conference 2017
FEATURED SPEAKERS
PARTNERS
POLICY
OFFICERS
CONFERENCE
Dr Alex King
Director, Behavioural Insights
Department of Premier and Cabinet
Professor Glenn Withers
President, Academy of the Social Sciences in
Australia
Professor of Economics, Research School of
Economics and Crawford School of Public Policy,
Australian National University
Linda Mallett Executive Director, System Development
and Reform (Ageing, Disability and Homecare)
Department of Family and Community Services,
NSW
Rhys Bollen
Executive Director, Regulatory Policy
Department of Finance, Services and Innovation
Russell King Policy Director for the Minister for
Transport and Infrastructure
Transport for NSW
Joanne Smith
Principal Consultant
Hatfield House
Bill Allen Program Manager,
Integrated Business Statistics and SSG Projects
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Martin Graham
Executive Director, External Relations Policy
NSW Department of Education
Roberta Ryan Professor and Director
Institute for Public Policy and Governance,
University of Technology Sydney
Kitsa Papadopoulos
Director, Commissioning and Contestability
NSW Treasury
Scott Johnston
Director, Workforce Information
NSW Public Service Commission
Andrew Milat
Director, Evidence and Evaluation
NSW Ministry of Health
Cecilia Anthony
Senior Consultant
Diverse Werks
Matthew James
Assistant Secretary - Information and Evaluation Branch
The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet
Maura Boland
Director
The Insight Partnership
2. Often, policy officers will possess an innate orientation for detail with strong written and communication skills. They will have research
and analytical skills, as well as the ability to think critically, solve problems and negotiate effectively.
Yet, in a context with competing demands, influences and objectives, even the most skilful people can struggle to perform and meet
targets. Despite this, policy professionals are expected to achieve their highest potential within the volatile environment that is the Public
Sector on a daily basis.
In order to overcome such challenges and demands with as much ease as possible, it is essential that the foundational skills are
mastered for effective and efficient policymaking.
In this interactive workshop, policy professionals will learn the critical skills associated with writing, developing and evaluating policy to
help maximise performance and overcome challenges upon their return to work.
Principles of effective policy writing and the process of developing policy
• What is policy/what it isn’t
• Compliance vs policy as a means of driving change
• When you need a policy and when you don’t
• Key steps in the policy process
• Success factors and combining evidence and experience
Consultation and winning policy documents
• The power of effective consultation and approaches/models for consultation
• The outputs of consultation and what to do with them
• Structure and approaches
• The power of plain language when communicating to non-policy stakeholders
• Formatting/style hints
Managing policy projects
• Identifying pitfalls
• Managing risk
• Project management
• Organising pressing demands
Reviewing policy processes
• Monitoring policy projects
• Effective evaluation of policy projects
• Learning from the past to benefit policy both present and future
9.00 - 4.30
Expert Facilitator: Maura Boland Director The Insight Partnership
A leader, strategic thinker and influencer who can make change happen, Maura brings more than 20 years’ experience in senior and
executive level management in government, over 10 years as deputy director-general/deputy CE in human services.
Maura has a wealth of knowledge and experience across all aspects of management and corporate governance including strategic
planning, policy development, social and capital program design and administration, regulation, risk and audit, and governance of
strategic finances, high level projects, contracts and ICT.
Maura has successfully led teams in managing change and innovation across a broad range of government portfolios including social
and affordable housing, homelessness, disability, child protection, population group policies, whole of government service delivery and
environmental and natural resources management.
Maura is passionate about leading transformational change to improve systems and services to leave a positive impact on peoples’
lives, the environment and economic sustainability. Maura takes insightful approaches to complex problems and finds simple impactful
solutions that improve both the way the business works and its results. She has a particular interest in the interfaces between
government, not for profit and corporate for purpose organisations.
A creative and visionary leader, who also works from a sound evidence base, Maura has influenced and formed trusting relationships
with all stakeholders to make change happen. Maura has the capability to lead change effectively by staying focussed on the business
strategy and goals; in turn making sure the business stays on track in spite of diversions that so often show themselves in the process of
change.
Pre-Conference Workshop
6 February 2017
Writing, Developing and Reviewing Policy Frameworks in a Demanding Environment
SPONSOR TODAY!
Limited sponsorship and exhibition opportunities
available. For your chance to brand yourself as a
market leader, please call: +61 2 8239 9711 or email:
partnership@liquidlearning.com.au
TEAM BOOKINGS
Receive a 20% discount when
booking a team of 8 to attend,
please call: +61 2 8239 9711 or
email: registration@liquidlearning.com.au
3. Day One 7 February 2017
Strengthening Essential Skills for Policy Developme
8.30 - 8.55 Registration and Morning Coffee
8.55 - 9.00 Official Welcome and Opening Remarks from
the Chair
9.00 - 9.40 OPENING KEYNOTE CASE STUDY
How is evidence being used to inform policy?
In 2016 Matthew James was honoured with a Public
Service Medal for his efforts leading data analysis at the
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. In this
Opening Keynote, Matthew will share his expertise to
discuss:
• How evidence can and is being used to inform policy
• Areas for policy improvement
• Options for the future
Matthew James Assistant Secretary - Information
and Evaluation Branch
The Department of the Prime Minister and
Cabinet
9.40 - 9.50 Questions and Discussion
9.50 - 10.30 CASE STUDY
Scaling up policy intervention: Lessons from the
Health Sector
Scaling up refers to deliberate efforts to increase the impact
of successfully tested health interventions to benefit more
people and foster policy and program development on a
lasting basis. Although predominantly practised in Health,
methods for scaling up are useful to adopt across policy
professions. However, few policymakers and practitioners
have skills in and knowledge of scaling up methods.
Andrew has conducted significant research into the benefits
of scaling up and currently applies the systematic approach
in his role. He will share:
• The process of scaling up policy interventions
• Advantages of scaling up and successful examples
• Incorporating systematic approaches into your policy
making
Andrew Milat Director, Evidence and Evaluation
NSW Ministry of Health
10.30 - 10.40 Questions and Discussion
10.40 - 10.55 Morning Tea
10.55 - 11.35 CASE STUDY
Taking an innovative approach in policymaking
Particularly in the area of regulation, the tendency has been
towards a prescriptive, “command and control” approach
to creating policies and programmes, however, this is
changing as policymakers seek innovative methods to
incentivise behaviour. Rhys works in consumer protection
regulation and has seen a shift in focus away from the
traditional approach to creating an environment that fosters
innovation. Today he will explore:
• A more modern approach to regulation and policy
• How we can encourage innovation
• Motivating desirable behaviours through policymaking
Rhys Bollen Executive Director, Regulatory Policy
Department of Finance, Services and Innovation
11.35 - 11.45 Questions and Discussion
11.45 - 12.25 CASE STUDY
Evidence: Its nature and use in policy
When forming policy and delivering government services,
what constitutes evidence, where does it come from and
how can it be used to enhance government operation?
These fundamental questions are often not asked or are
taken for granted. But the evidence landscape is vast, and
tricks and traps on top of basics are legion. Drawing on
extensive academic and public service extensive, Professor
Withers will provide what he calls “a user’s guide to the
evidence galaxy”, illustrating a framework to be provided with
concrete applications in areas such as defence, immigration,
employment and health.
Professor Glenn Withers
President, Academy of the Social Sciences in
Australia
Professor of Economics, Research School of
Economics and Crawford School of Public Policy,
Australian National University
12.25 - 12.35 Questions and Discussion
12.35 - 1.35 Networking Lunch
1.35 - 2.35 INTERACTIVE PANEL DISCUSSION
Overcoming setbacks with evidence-based policy
Evidence-based policy is widely practised due to the premise
that policy decisions should be better informed by available
evidence and should contain balanced analysis. This is
because policy which is based on systematic evidence is
recognised to produce better outcomes. Yet key issues
with evidence include the quality, credibility and relevance.
Evidence is not the only factor which influences policymaking
and comes with a number of constraints, which will inevitably
limit the extent to which evidence can affect policy. This panel
of experienced policy practitioners will discuss:
• Identifying limitations with evidence
• Issues surrounding how evidence is incorporated in the
policymaking process
• Overcoming evidence-related challenges with policymaking
Linda Mallett Executive Director, System Development
and Reform
Ageing, Disability and Homecare Department of
Family and Community Services, NSW
Russell King Policy Director for the Minister for
Transport and Infrastructure
Transport for NSW
Roberta Ryan Professor and Director
Institute for Public Policy and Governance,
University of Technology Sydney
2.35 - 3.15 CASE STUDY
Applying Behavioural Insights in NSW
A new form of evidence-based policymaking has triggered
an explosion of interest within governments in Australia
and around the world. Behavioural insights (BI) helps us
understand human behaviour and decision making and
applies that knowledge to government. It draws on research
into behavioural economics and psychology to influence
people’s choices, and has been shown to be a cost-effective
method in making improvements to a range of public
services and policies, such as tax collection, getting people
back to work and encouraging people to attend cancer
screening appointments. Alex heads the Behavioural Insights
Unit at NSW DPC and will explore:
• The concept of Behavioural Insights
• Methodologies and how it works
• Successful examples
Dr Alex King Director, Behavioural Insights
Department of Premier and Cabinet
3.15 - 3.25 Questions and Discussion
Conference
VALUE PLUS DISCOUNT
Receive up to $400 off registration if you
register and pay by 4 November 2016
PLUS TWO WORKSHOPS!
Plus Two Separately Bookable Full-Day
Workshops on 6 & 9 & 10 February 2017
4. Leveragent and Implementation
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register and pay by 13 January 2016
SUPER SAVER DISCOUNT
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register and pay by 9 December 2016
3.15 - 3.30 Afternoon Tea
3.30 - 4.20 CASE STUDY
Evaluating post-disaster recovery
Disasters are causes of significant distress, destruction and
disruption to the community with severe social, economic and
environmental impacts. Post-disaster recovery is the period
of time and activities that occur after the immediate relief and
response efforts, and this phase is critical to the long-term
outcomes and impacts on communities of disasters. During
this time policies and practices are introduced for guiding
planning for the post-disaster recovery and reconstruction,
these are crucial to inform future actions and investment by all
three levels of government. Roberta will discuss:
• Policies for evaluating post-disaster recovery
• Intergovernmental roles in post-disaster evaluation
• Value of the evaluation process and key examples
Roberta Ryan Professor and Director
Institute for Public Policy and Governance,
University of Technology Sydney
4.20 - 4.30 Questions and Discussion
4.30 Concluding Remarks from the Chair
Day Two
Conference
8 February 2017
8.30 - 8.55 Morning Coffee
8.55 - 9.00 Opening Remarks from the Chair
9.00 - 9.45 OPENING CASE STUDY
Turning data into insight: Implementing high
quality workforce management practices across
NSW Government
As the driving force behind workforce policy reform
in NSW, The Public Service Commission works in
partnership with departments and agencies to generate
the most effective methods to apply workforce data
resources to business problems and leverage analytics
to enable high quality workforce planning. As a member
of the Commission’s leadership team, Scott will share the
aims for the future of innovative NSW workforce planning
and how they’re navigating through current challenges.
Discuss:
• The value of workforce data analytics
• Overcoming current challenges in the strive for change
• The future for NSW Government workforce planning
Scott Johnston Director, Workforce Information
NSW Public Service Commission
9.45 - 10.00 Questions and Discussion
10.00 - 10.45 CASE STUDY
Winning policy arguments
A winning policy is one that has presented a more
compelling case, gathered more stakeholder support
or been more appealing to Government than the
alternatives. Policy making is often a battle of ideas,
and successful policies win these battles. An effective
policy advisor to Government will bring to the table an
understanding of the problems to be solved, the solutions
available and the context in which the advice will be
received. Martin has significant experience working
in senior policy positions across government, and will
discuss:
• How to develop proposals and prepare the best case
• Working with stakeholders
• When not to intervene
• Key examples
Martin Graham Executive Director, External Rela-
tions Policy
NSW Department of Education
10.45 - 11.00 Questions and Discussion
11.00 - 11.15 Morning Tea
11.15 - 12.00 CASE STUDY
Commissioning and contestability in the NSW
context
Commissioning and contestability are key tools
available to the government to optimise service delivery
outcomes. They embody a customer-centric approach
to service delivery that positively challenges current
ways of working by seeking innovative ways to improve
quality, productivity and access to services.The NSW
Government Commissioning and Contestability Policy
sets the expectation for how government agencies will
design, fund and enable new service models. Kitsa is one
of the leaders of the team behind it, and will discuss:
• Current state of play in NSW and how your agency is
affected
• The six primary steps in the commissioning process
NETWORKING RECEPTION
4:30 - 5:30PM
Make the most of your experience,
join us to network over complimentary
canapés and drinks
ALSO AVAILABLE
POLICY OFFICERS’ INTENSIVE 2016
22-24 November 2016 | Canberra
6-8 December 2016 | Sydney
13-15 December 2016 | Melbourne
TEAM BOOKINGS AVAILABLE
TEAM OFTEAM OF TEAM OF
653 874 +
15%DISCOUNT10%DISCOUNT 20%DISCOUNT
5. ging Capabilities to Tackle Contemporary Policy - Related Challenges
Phone: +61 2 8239 9711
www.liquidlearning.com
• Policy Officers / Managers
• Policy Developers / Analysts
• Policy Advisors / Senior Policy Advisors
• Branch / Section / Division Managers
• Program Managers
• Research Officers
• Evaluation Specialists / Managers
• Stakeholder / Community Engagement
• Policy Consulting
• Service Delivery Managers / Directors
WHO WILL ATTEND
ABOUT THE EVENT
In a constantly evolving sector, Policy Professionals working within the
NSW Government must keep up-to-date with the latest advances in
the field.
The NSW Policy Officers’ Conference 2017 has been tailored to meet
the needs of Policy Practitioners working across state government
levels in this space. This premier event will explore the suite of
contemporary skills and tools to ensure that policy professionals are
equipped to develop contemporary, outcome-driven policy.
Followed by a two-day specialised training intensive workshop, the
summit will bring together insightful expertise and opinion from policy
leaders and experts across NSW and the Commonwealth.
Policy Professionals will build upon and refine existing, essential
skills to enhance their influence and effectiveness in all stages of
policymaking. With plenty of opportunity for interactive discussion to
assess the efficacy and limitations of current methodologies, delegates
will potentially form valuable connections with like-minded practitioners
and leaders.
As the premier informative and networking event for NSW Policy
Professionals, this summit is an essential career development
opportunity that should not be missed!
and how to apply the approach
• Stakeholder benefits and enabling best practice
commissioning
Kitsa Papadopoulos Director, Commissioning and
Contestability
NSW Treasury
12.00 - 12.15 Questions and Discussion
12.15 - 1.15 Networking Lunch
1.15 - 2.00 EXPERT COMMENTARY
The role of diversity in policy development
It is important to consider diversity and inclusion when it
comes to policy development. Driving effective strategy
and policy should be implemented against a background of
inclusivity. Cecilia is an advocacy, policy and strategy expert
with a breadth of experience across community-based,
government and business roles. She will discuss:
• Why is the consideration of diversity important in policy
development?
• The policy context - the growing recognition of the
importance of diversity
• How to ensure policy is strengthened by diversity
inclusion
Cecilia Anthony Senior Consultant
Diverse Werks
2.00 - 2.15 Questions and Discussion
2.15 - 3.00 CASE STUDY
Outcome-focused data analysis
When it comes to identifying further developments in
policy implementation and intervention, a key step is to
assess what policy decisions need to be made. This can
be achieved with data integration and by evaluating and
weighing up current policy data and facts to then pinpoint
solutions for future policy making. Bill has collaborated
with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science to
assist with such policy advances. He will discuss:
• Using data to evaluate policy problems and identify areas
for development
• Underlying themes around data integration and
collaboration
• Catering analysis and solutions
Bill Allen Program Manager, Integrated Business
Statistics and SSG Projects
Australian Bureau of Statistics
3.00 - 3.15 Questions and Discussion
3.15 - 3.30 Afternoon Tea
3.30 - 4.30 INTERACTIVE CLOSING ROUNDTABLE
Current and future challenges for policy officers
This interactive roundtable discussion will provide delegates
with an opportunity to revise the themes and topics covered
over the course of the two day conference, providing scope
to continue conversations raised, brainstorm solutions to
common challenges faced and cover the essential skills
needed to deliver outcomes and values. Discuss:
• Day-to-day challenges faced by policy professionals
• Future opportunities, strategies and directions for policy
development
• Career pathways and progression for policy professionals
Joanne Smith Principal Consultant
Hatfield House
4.30 Concluding Remarks from the Chair
and Summit Close
Tweet about this event using the hashtag #NPOC17
and @LiquidLearning for daily industry updates!
FOLLOW THIS EVENT
6. Developing policy fit-for-purpose
• Drafting policy for implementation- what separates the good from the bad
• Understanding different models and methods of policy development and implementation
• Building the capacity of people and organisations to understand policy and its role within organisational and cultural change
Understanding people management in the context of policy practice
• Managing policy teams and retaining and growing talent through effective people management skills
• Building trust-based relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Focusing on individual and team performance to deliver results
• Inspiring policy teams to reach their highest potential
Practical communication skills to achieve outcomes
• Understanding effective communication and tailoring your approach to different scenarios
• Key communication skills for increasing your credibility and influence
• Approaches and tools for managing stakeholder meetings and partnerships when developing and implementing policy- key dos and
don’ts
• Tips for enhancing team work and stakeholder relationships when delivering required policy outcomes
Policy Advocacy and Negotiations
• Leadership skills and self-awareness related to policy advocacy and negotiations
• Investing in your strengths, health and well-being – Finding ways to sustain you to perform at your peak
• Effective approaches to build on your policy practice and manage high-pressure and stressful situations
• Your role as a leader in contributing to positive policy practice and a healthy workplace in general
9.00 - 4.30
Expert Facilitator: Maura Boland Director The Insight Partnership
Post-Conference Workshop
9 & 10 February 2017
Policy Professionals Leadership Workshop
Day 1
From policymakers to policy leaders – honing your leadership skills and capabilities
• An overview of leadership models and proven practical skills for building leadership capability
• Transitioning from policy practitioner to strategic thinker and leader
• Demonstrating your value as a leader
• Making policy leadership work tactically, strategically and practically
Developing a strategic direction and perspective as a policy leader
• Understanding the evolving sector in which you and your team operate
• Keeping up with both policy and commercial developments
• Then and now – changes in the policy professional landscape, and preparing for future leadership challenges
• Embedding strategic business perspectives – linking core organisational priorities and outcomes with individual policy effort
Becoming a trusted policy executive
• Growing your strength as a policy driver and implementer
• Delivering end-to-end solutions and programs and building trust with your stakeholders
• Developing advisory skills to provide practical solutions for strategic decision making
• Understanding risks and forward-planning
Leadership success: Collaboration and communication
• Growing your leadership strengths by building key relationships and tapping expertise
• Managing your case: Communicating policy issues and ideas to achieve a favourable outcome
• Accessing new opportunities for networking, personal development and growing your credibility
• Effective interpersonal skills to leverage your leadership capabilities
Day 2
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
• 8.30 - 9.00 Registration
• 9.00 - 10.40 Session One
• 10.40 - 11.00 Morning Tea
• 11.00 - 12.30 Session Two
• 12.30 - 1.30 Lunch
• 1.30 - 3.00 Session Three
• 3.00 - 3.20 Afternoon Tea
• 3.20 - 4.30 Session Four
• 4.30 Close of Workshop
SPONSOR TODAY!
Limited sponsorship and exhibition opportunities
available. For your chance to brand yourself as a
market leader, please call: +61 2 8239 9711 or email:
partnership@liquidlearning.com.au
TEAM BOOKINGS
Receive a 20% discount when
booking a team of 8 to attend,
please call: +61 2 8239 9711 or
email: registration@liquidlearning.com.au
