Nick Temple – Network Director, SSE

Introductory Guide to Policy and Lobbying

What is it?• Policy = the actions of government and the intentions that determine those actions

• Lobbying = effort designed to influence actions of government / public officials

• Advocacy = arguing for / in favour of an idea or cause

• Campaigning = a series of organised actions for a cause, with specific goal

Why bother?• Getting involved earlier in the cycle…

1. Identify problem2. Form overall policy3. Decision-making4. Policy implemented5. Evaluation (continue / end)

…and helping get what you do to be supported / funded / recognised / scaled up….reach your goals.

Why bother? (2)• Policymakers can learn from you (your views important)

• You can learn from them too…

• Advances your cause + profile (and therefore trust)

• Builds relationships / networks / partnerships

• Can speed up change you want

When to do it?

• When right for your organisation

Capacity / resourcesGood use of time (adds value)Barriers to progress

• When relevant in policy terms (election / funding cycle / tendering process / decision-making / deadlines)

How?

• Know what you want: focus

• Know your stuff: research / evidence

• Talk to the right people

• Be nice and friendly (not annoying)

• Write, phone or meet: tactics

• Ask: “why should they do what I want?”

• Follow-up + evaluate

Exercise

• Use some evidence

• Say how they can help

• Ask questions / seek objections

• Follow-up detail

And be nice….

Final thoughts

• You do this all the time, or will have to

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“Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent”

"The right to be heard does not automatically include the right to be

taken seriously."

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