Do You Push or Do You Pause?
Navigating Policy Timing: Knowing When to Push and When to Pause
Hi everyone,
Timing is everything in policy advocacy. Knowing when to advance your initiatives and when to hold back can make or break your efforts. The policy world moves in cycles—understanding these cycles and aligning your work accordingly is critical to making an impact.
In this edition, I’ll explore how to track key moments in the policy cycle, offer practical examples of effective timing, and share tips on how to maintain momentum during those quieter periods
.
Why Timing Matters in Advocacy
Advocacy isn’t just about having the right message; it’s about delivering it at the right time. Understanding the stages of the policy cycle—agenda setting, formulation, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation—can help you determine when your voice will be most impactful.
By timing your efforts strategically, you can:
Maximise your influence during critical decision-making periods.
Avoid wasting resources during periods of inactivity.
Position yourself as a credible, prepared voice when opportunities arise.
Tracking Legislative Timelines and Consultation Periods
To ensure your advocacy efforts align with the policy cycle, it’s essential to stay informed. Here’s how:
Monitor Legislative Schedules: Keep an eye on the Northern Ireland Assembly calendar to track debates, bill introductions, and key decision points.
Engage With Consultations: Public consultations are a golden opportunity to shape policy. By submitting thoughtful responses, you can influence policy at the formulation stage.
Current Consultations to Respond To:
Here are some live consultations in Northern Ireland that need your voice:
Fuel Poverty Strategy Public Consultation
This draft Fuel Poverty Strategy is government’s proposed long-term framework for addressing fuel poverty and its impacts.Closes: 6 March 2025
Racial Equality Strategy Consultation
This Strategy aims to gather insights, experience, and evidence that will inform our strategic development and play a crucial role in driving forward actions.Closes: 6 March 2025
💡 Need help responding to these consultations? I can craft tailored responses to ensure your voice is heard.
Examples of Effective Timing in Advocacy
Timing success comes from understanding when and how to act. For example:
Proactive Engagement: Advocating for changes during the policy formulation stage allows you to shape proposals before they are finalised.
Responsive Action: Jumping on public consultations or debates ensures your position is considered at critical moments.
Remember, timing isn’t just about acting fast—it’s about acting strategically.
Maintaining Momentum During Slower Periods
What happens when the policy landscape seems quiet? Use these periods to:
Build Relationships: Strengthen connections with stakeholders and policymakers.
Educate and Inform: Raise awareness about your issue through events, blogs, or social media campaigns.
Prepare for the Next Opportunity: Develop detailed proposals and strategies so you’re ready to act when the time is right.
How I Can Help You
If navigating the policy world feels overwhelming, I’m here to help. Here’s how I can support you:
Monitoring Policy Opportunities: I’ll keep you informed about legislative timelines, consultations, and key policy moments.
Writing Consultation Responses: Don’t have time? Let me craft impactful responses on your behalf.
Developing Advocacy Strategies: Together, we’ll create a roadmap for achieving your policy goals.
Crafting Messages That Stick: I’ll refine your policy ask into a clear, compelling message that resonates with decision-makers.
Content Creation: Need blogs or social media posts to amplify your message? I’ve got you covered.
📧 Get in touch here to learn more: hello@policy360.co.uk
Just Launched! Get Policymakers to Listen – 20% Off for a Limited Time
People often tell me they struggle to get their policy message heard. They spend time crafting detailed emails, reports, or briefings—only to be met with silence. The problem isn’t the issue—it’s how it’s framed, structured, and delivered.
That’s why I’ve just launched a new online course:
How to Get Policymakers to Listen: Crafting Messages That Make an Impact 🚀
If you’ve ever felt like your policy messages are being ignored, this course is designed to cut through the noise and get real results.
🔹 Learn why most policy messages fail—and how to fix them
🔹 Master the 3-step formula for crafting messages that policymakers actually act on
🔹 Frame your ask so it aligns with their priorities
🔹 Structure a powerful one-page policy brief that gets noticed
🔹 Deliver your message effectively to get a response
For a limited time, you can get 20% off with code 20OFF 🎉
👉 Sign up now: policy360.teachable.com/p/how-to-get-policymakers-to-listen-crafting-messages-that-make-an-impact
This offer is only available for a short time—don’t miss out!
Earn CPD Points With My Podcast
Did you know you can earn Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points by listening to my podcast, Policy360: Unplugged?
Tune in to hear directly from policymakers and experts who share actionable insights and strategies for navigating the policy landscape.
🎧 Start listening here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2254501/episodes
Support My Work: Buy Me a Coffee
If you’ve found value in this newsletter, my podcast, or my training resources, consider supporting my work. Whether it’s signing up for a paid subscription or buying me a coffee, your contribution helps me continue to create practical, actionable content to help you succeed in advocacy.
☕ Support me here: https://buymeacoffee.com/policy360
Thank you—it truly means the world!
Final Thoughts: Timing Is Everything
Strategic timing isn’t just a nice-to-have in advocacy—it’s a must. By understanding when to push and when to pause, you can make the most of every opportunity and maximise your impact.
If you’re unsure where to start, let’s chat! Whether you need help crafting a strategy, responding to consultations, or refining your message, I’d love to help.
Until next time,
Ellen