Quality Standards for Policy Advice

Quality measure

We will seek written response, at least 6-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 or 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 and 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.

Quality standards for policy advice

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 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.