Quality standards for policy advice

Quality measure

We will seek written response, at least six-monthly, from the Minister for Building and Construction and the Minister of Housing on our performance against the following quality standards. The assessment process will also incorporate an assessment of ministerial satisfaction through a structured discussion with each Minister focusing on the quality standards. The performance target will be 3 (good) or better, on an overall scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent).

We will supply high-quality services meeting the standard quality characteristics below.

We will provide a comprehensive service that:

• has the capacity to act quickly in response to urgent/critical issues
• offers timely and relevant briefings on significant issues
• supports Ministers as required in Cabinet Committees, Select Committees and in the House.

Standard quality characteristics

All advice will include the following.

Purpose

An objective for the policy advice has been clearly stated, including its relationship to the Government's agreed outcomes and objectives.

Focus

A clear and logical statement of the issue or problem and why it necessitates ministerial action.

Viability

Viable options to address the issue are presented and costs/benefits are assessed, winners and losers identified, cost-effectiveness addressed and any value judgements drawn to the attention of the Minister.

Logic and evidence-based

The assumptions behind the advice and the logic of how the options will resolve issues and achieve objectives are clear. Assumptions and advice are evidence-based.

Accuracy

The facts are accurate and based on reliable research or evaluation findings or other appropriate information.

Practicality

The advice draws on appropriate knowledge and experience, and the practicalities of implementing it are clearly explained, including any industry, legal, machinery of government, Treaty of Waitangi or other issues that require management.

Consultation

Interested government agencies and affected and interested parties have been consulted and their views considered.

Presentation

The advice is presented clearly, logically, in plain and grammatically correct English, free from any typographical or spelling errors, and conforms to the Cabinet Office requirements.

Recommendations

Recommendations are clear, logical, action-oriented and can stand alone from the rest of the advice.

Timeliness

Specified reporting deadlines are met.

Cost

Outturn is within budget.