How to Make Your Policy Message Stand Out in 2025

Craft Messages That Policymakers Can’t Ignore

Policymakers are inundated with proposals, reports, and ideas. If you want your voice to be heard and your message to stand out, it’s crucial to communicate effectively. A well-crafted policy message can open doors, build relationships, and drive meaningful change. Whether you’re advocating for funding, responding to consultations, or pitching an idea, your message must be clear, compelling, and memorable.

This week, I’m sharing actionable advice to help you craft a policy message that resonates and inspires action.

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Crafting a Winning Policy Message

1. Know Your Audience:
   Understanding who you’re speaking to is key. Research the policymaker’s priorities and goals. Tailor your message to show how your objectives align with theirs. When you highlight mutual benefits, you’re more likely to capture their attention.

2. Be Data-Driven:
   Evidence is powerful. Support your message with robust data, credible research, and case studies. For example, if you’re advocating for increased investment in mental health, include statistics on unmet needs and the potential cost savings of early interventions.

3. Tell a Story:
   While data convinces, stories connect. Share real-life examples that bring your issue to life. Policymakers remember human stories that illustrate the impact of their decisions.

4. Keep It Simple:
   Avoid jargon and technical language. Focus on clarity and conciseness. A policymaker may only give your message a few minutes of attention—make those minutes count.

5. Include a Call to Action:
   Be explicit about what you want. Whether it’s scheduling a meeting, supporting a proposal, or endorsing an initiative, ensure your request is clear and actionable.

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Master Policy Influence: Enrol in the Political Awareness and Influencing Skills Course

Navigating the complexities of policy-making can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. My Political Awareness and Influencing Skills course is designed to equip professionals and advocates with the tools and confidence to influence policy effectively.

This comprehensive course includes:

• Understanding the Policy Landscape: Learn how policies are made and who influences them.

• Strategic Goal-Setting: Develop clear, actionable objectives that align with your organisation’s mission.

• Crafting Effective Messages: Discover how to communicate your ideas in a way that resonates with decision-makers.

• Building Relationships: Establish and maintain connections with policymakers, stakeholders, and influencers.

• Executing Campaigns: Turn your strategy into action and achieve measurable results.

Through real-world examples, practical exercises, and expert guidance, this course is your roadmap to success in 2025.

👉 Enrol today and start making an impact.

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Your Guide to Corporate Collaboration: The Corporate Fundraising Playbook

If you’re looking to build partnerships that drive impact, The Corporate Fundraising Playbook is your go-to resource. This step-by-step guide is designed for both charities seeking corporate sponsorships and businesses aiming to meet their ESG goals while supporting meaningful causes.

Inside the playbook, you’ll find:

• Frameworks for Success: Proven strategies for establishing and maintaining impactful partnerships.

• Real-World Examples: Case studies that highlight what works—and what doesn’t—in corporate-charity collaborations.

• Practical Tools: Templates, checklists, and tips to help you approach partnerships with confidence.

📖 Scheduled for publication in March 2025, this book is perfect for anyone looking to leverage collaboration for greater impact.

💬 Want to be among the first to receive a copy? Drop me a message, and I’ll reserve one for you!

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Live Policy Consultations You Can Respond To

Taking part in live consultations is one of the most direct ways to influence policy. Here are some upcoming consultations you may want to engage with:

1. 2025-2026 Draft Budget Consultation

   • Department: Department of Finance

   • Summary: Provide feedback on the proposed budget, which allocates resources to improve outcomes for citizens across Northern Ireland.

   • Closing Date: 13 March 2025

2. Review of Trust Ports

   • Department: Department for Infrastructure

   • Summary: Share your views on proposed legislative changes to ports policy in Northern Ireland.

   • Closing Date: 10 March 2025

3. Consultation on a Clean Air Strategy for Northern Ireland

   • Department: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

   • Summary: Contribute to the development of a Clean Air Strategy to improve air quality and address health, environmental, and economic impacts.

   • Closing Date: 15 March 2025

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Policy360: Making Consultation Responses Easier

Responding to consultations can be time-consuming, but your voice matters. At Policy360, I provide consultancy services to craft professional, impactful responses that ensure your organisation’s perspectives are effectively communicated.

Here’s how I can help:

• Tailored Responses: I’ll work with you to develop detailed submissions aligned with your goals and priorities.

• Expert Guidance: I’ll help you navigate the consultation process and understand its implications for your sector.

• Time Savings: Leave the heavy lifting to me so you can focus on your core mission.

📧 Get in touch today to discuss how Policy360 can support your consultation responses: hello@policy360.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.policy360.co.uk
📞 Call: 07703 411760

Your Guide to the Week Ahead at Stormont

Here’s your concise guide to what’s happening at the Northern Ireland Assembly this week. From plenary debates on crucial motions to committee meetings tackling key issues, this update will keep you informed and prepared. Whether you're tracking policy developments or simply staying in the loop, this breakdown ensures you won’t miss a beat at Stormont.

Let’s dive in!

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Plenary Business

Monday 20 January

1. Prayers

2. Members’ Statements

3. Executive Committee Business

   • Motion: Approval of the draft Period Products (Department of Health Specified Public Service Bodies) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024
     Proposed by the Minister of Health

4. Question Time

   • 4.1 The Executive Office

   • 4.2 Economy

5. Committee Business

   • Motion: Extension of Committee Stage – Agriculture Bill
     Proposed by the Chairperson, Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

6. Private Members’ Business

   • Motion: Protection of Rights and Safety in Custodial Facilities
     Proposed by Mr Doug Beattie, Ms Diana Armstrong, Mr Robbie Butler, and Mr Andy Allen

   • Motion: Specialist Autism Mental Health Services
     Proposed by Mr Cathal Boylan, Mr Maolíosa McHugh, and Ms Liz Kimmins

7. Adjournment

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Tuesday 21 January

1. Prayers

2. Members’ Statements

3. Question Time

   • Education

4. Private Members’ Business

   • Motion: Unlocking Funding for Childcare Providers
     Proposed by Ms Diane Forsythe, Mr Phillip Brett, Mr Peter Martin, and Mr David Brook

   • Motion: Reducing Stigma in Mental Illness
     Proposed by Ms Liz Kimmins, Miss Órlaithí Flynn, and Mrs Linda Dillon

5. Adjournment

   • Improved Access to the Accident and Emergency Department in Altnagelvin Hospital
     Proposed by Mr Pádraig Delargy

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Committees

Tuesday 21 January

• Business Committee – 1:00 pm, Senate Chamber

Wednesday 22 January

• Committee for Infrastructure – 10:00 am, Room 29

• Committee for the Economy – 10:00 am, Room 30

• Committee for Finance – 1:00 pm, Senate Chamber

• Committee for Education – 2:00 pm, Room 29

• Committee for The Executive Office – 2:00 pm, Room 30

Thursday 23 January

• Committee for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs – 10:00 am, Room 21

• Committee for Communities – 10:00 am, Room 29

• Windsor Framework Democratic Scrutiny Committee – 10:00 am, Room 30

• Committee for Health – 2:00 pm, O’Hagan House, Newry

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All-Party Groups

• All-Party Group on Ageing and Older People

  • Tuesday 21 January 2025, 1:00 pm

  • Virtual Meeting

• All-Party Group on Youth Participation

  • Tuesday 21 January 2025, 5:30 pm

  • Senate Chamber

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