Policy brief outline

There are many ways to structure a policy brief. Here is one example:

Title

• Make it catchy and informative

Executive summary [2-3 paragraphs]

• State the specific issue addressed in the brief
• Identify significant policy failures that require change
• Clearly describe the proposed action
• Make the summary memorable and effective to entice readers

Problem statement [4-5 points]

• Explain why the current policy is failing and what impact this has on the situation
• Include who the stakeholders are who will be affected by a new or changed policy
• Convince readers that, in light of research and evidence, a change is called for

Policy options

• Identify alternatives and the arguments for or against them
• Include the evaluation criteria you used to make your recommendation
• State the impact on various stakeholders
• Indicate the policy option(s) you recommend and provide explanations for the choice

Recommendations

• Articulate the policy related steps required to implement the chosen or feasible option(s)
• Identify who would need to execute
• If the assignment does not require a conclusion, end with a paragraph re-emphasizing the importance of the policy change and the preferred option(s)

Conclusion (optional)

[This section is not always required, so check your assignment guidelines or ask your professor]

• If required, emphasize the importance of the policy change and the preferred option(s)

Sources consulted / Sources recommended

• List the key sources you relied on as you prepared the brief and/or a list of other readings

Your name, the course name and number, and other publication details

• Follow the assignment’s instructions for how this information should appear on or with the brief