Policy-making Fundamentals: Structure, Bias, and Decision Design

Local policy-making is fast, messy, and shaped by competing pressures — but the fundamentals are clear, learnable, and transformative. This 90-minute masterclass introduces the core foundations of good policy design in local government: what policy-making actually is, how to diagnose the real problem, and how structure and behavioural bias shape decisions.

We will explore how councils frame issues, why some policy solutions never gain traction, and how everyday constraints influence decision-making far more than most officers realise. You’ll learn practical tools for thinking clearly, asking better questions, and improving the quality of choices across your organisation.

This session is designed for local government professionals who want to strengthen their policy instincts, understand the mechanics behind good decision-making, and build confidence when responding to new briefs or complex issues.