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Public Sector Policy Development and Analysis

This course develops the skills officials need to research, draft and evaluate public policy that responds to community needs and government priorities. Participants work through the policy cycle from problem definition and evidence gathering to option appraisal, consultation and adoption by council or a department. The programme uses South African policy examples to show how to write clear, implementable policy and how to assess whether existing policy is achieving its intended outcomes.

What you will be able to do

  • Explain the stages of the public policy cycle and the role of officials at each stage.
  • Define policy problems using evidence and stakeholder input.
  • Appraise policy options against feasibility, cost and expected impact.
  • Draft clear and implementable policy documents for council or departmental approval.
  • Design and conduct meaningful public consultation on draft policy.
  • Evaluate whether adopted policy is delivering its intended outcomes.

Course outline

  1. 01The Public Policy Cycle
  2. 02Problem Definition and Evidence Gathering
  3. 03Option Generation and Appraisal
  4. 04Drafting Clear and Implementable Policy
  5. 05Consultation and Stakeholder Input
  6. 06Adoption and Implementation Planning
  7. 07Policy Monitoring and Evaluation

Who should attend

This course suits policy analysts, researchers, senior administrators, committee support staff and managers responsible for developing and reviewing policy in municipalities and government departments.

Dates, venues and fees

DatesVenueDaysFeeCalendar
17 to 18 Aug 2026Johannesburg2R10,000
31 Aug to 1 Sep 2026Mauritius2US$1,100
7 to 8 Sep 2026Dubai2US$1,100
14 to 15 Sep 2026Lagos2US$1,100
21 to 22 Sep 2026Harare2US$1,100
28 to 29 Sep 2026Kampala2US$1,100
5 to 6 Oct 2026Dar es Salaam2US$1,100
12 to 13 Oct 2026Pretoria2R10,000
19 to 20 Oct 2026Cape Town2R10,000
2 to 3 Nov 2026Online2US$900
9 to 10 Nov 2026Mozambique2US$1,100
16 to 17 Nov 2026Cairo2US$1,100
23 to 24 Nov 2026Accra2US$1,100
30 Nov to 1 Dec 2026Lusaka2US$1,100
7 to 8 Dec 2026Kigali2US$1,100
14 to 15 Dec 2026Nairobi2US$1,100
21 to 22 Dec 2026Durban2R10,000

Fees are per delegate. South African venues are priced in rand; other locations and online in US dollars. Fees exclude 15% VAT where applicable. Group bookings of three or more delegates from the same organisation qualify for a reduced rate; contact us for a quotation.

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