Please note: Day 1 of this programme will take place in person in a Dublin 4 venue (Grand Canal Hotel) to allow for additional engagement and initial peer learning. The remainder of the course will be delivered online.
Day 1: Wednesday, 14 October (in person) (3pm finish)
Day 2: Wednesday, 21 October (online)
Day 3: Friday, 23 October (online)
Times: 9.30am – 4.00pm (3pm finish Day 1)
Programme Overview
The development of public policy is a key responsibility of the Government and remains a key focus for public servants across all sectors. In recent years, policy development has evolved to embrace more inclusive, evidence-informed, and delivery-focused approaches, with increasing emphasis on stakeholder engagement, consultation, implementation planning, governance, and measurable outcomes.
At the same time, developing policy and translating policy objectives into effective legislation and operational delivery remains complex. Public servants are expected not only to understand policy development principles but also to navigate implementation challenges, governance requirements, legal frameworks and political considerations.
This accredited certificate programme has been designed to provide participants with both the theoretical foundations and practical application skills required for modern public policy development. The programme places particular emphasis on the practical realities of delivering policy within complex public sector systems and multi stakeholder environments including cross-government coordination, stakeholder engagement, evidence-informed decision making, implementation challenges, and the evolving role of public services.
Drawing on contemporary Irish policy case studies and real-world policy development experience, participants will explore how policy is shaped not only by formal frameworks and processes, but also by political, organisational, operational, and societal considerations.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the foundations of modern public policy development
- Apply evidence-informed policy development tools and appraisal techniques (Cost Benefit Analysis and Multi-Criteria Analysis) and managing risk
- Conduct stakeholder and consultation analyses to support evidence-based planning and decision-making
- Understand the mechanics of cross‑departmental coordination – the role of programme offices and central units
- Evaluate the challenges associated with complex multi-stakeholder environments and the institutional constraints that influence decision-making, implementation, and outcomes
- Explore practical implications for service reform within the Irish policy context
- Understand and identify the legislative pathway, process and drafting considerations
- Policy development and legislative amendments – key steps of successful drafting
- Evaluating/Drafting a Mock Policy – practical workshop
Who Should Attend?
The programme is aimed at all civil and public servants whose role involves developing and delivering policy, from initial research to implementation and evaluation, and for those who are seeking to obtain a deeper fuller understanding of the policy-making process.
The programme will be of direct relevance to those working in Government Departments and in the Public Service generally who are involved in the development of policy for their organisation and its effective enactment into legislation.
It is a practical and focused training course, with contributions from a panel of speakers with expertise in policy development, policy development tools and appraisal techniques and the legislative and drafting process.
Certification
This course is externally accredited by the Institute of Commercial Management (ICM). Attendees will receive an ICM Continuing Professional Development and CPD Certificate upon successful completion of the programme and associated assessment.
Tailored Training
All of our open programmes can also be run on an in-house basis. For more information, see our page on In-House Training.
Multiple Delegate Discount
Limited Places Available – book early to avoid disappointment.
- 3+ Delegates – 5% Discount
- 5+ Delegates – 10% Discount
- 10+ Delegates – 15% Discount
To avail of our multiple delegate discount for 3 or more delegates, you must email registrations@pai.ie with the name and details of all those you wish to book. All those you wish to book on must be booked at the same time.
For 1 or 2 attendees, manually enter in the number of tickets you wish to purchase below.
