NineSquared | Public Policy Consultant | Policy Strategy Evaluation

Understanding the current and future impacts of policies is an important part of decision making for public and private sector leaders who use the analysis to inform decisions regarding regulatory changes, services, and preferred policy options.

Public policy makers face constant pressures to meet rising expectations of citizens and are required to ensure that public policy measures provide an effective use of limited resources. The environment in which policy is developed is also constantly changing – new technology, economic and environmental challenges, evolving societal needs and priorities also impact on the delivery of public policy. Policy evaluation is important for ensuring that policies achieve or provide progress towards their intended goals and deliver value to society.

Evaluation provides a systematic way to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of policies, enabling evidence-based decision-making. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, evaluation helps policy makers to refine or adapt policies to better meet their objectives. This also ensures accountability and value for money in the delivery of public policies, as stakeholders can see whether resources are used responsibly, and outcomes align with objectives.

Evaluation also enables continuous improvement by highlighting lessons learned and promoting best practices. It helps avoid unintended consequences and ensures that policies remain relevant in changing contexts. By offering insights into what works and what doesn’t, policy evaluation supports transparency and public trust, creating a foundation for better governance and sustainable development across different sectors.

What we do

Our public policy team help clients to evaluate the effectiveness of policy solutions. We do this by applying policy evaluation principles and frameworks, analysing data, engaging with stakeholders and providing subject matter expertise to review the effectiveness of public policies and programs.

Our policy evaluation work starts with reviewing the objectives of a policy or program, measures of success and the availability of data. We use data analytics and other tools and frameworks along with insights based on experience to provide clients to assess whether public policies are delivering their intended goals and how they could be more effective. Specific areas of our expertise include:

Program Logic Modelling – Developing a visual illustration of a program’s resources, activities and expected outcomes to inform an assessment of the strategic relevance and effectiveness of a policy or program.
Data analytics – Analysis of historical data to understand past performance and identify trends, we help our clients make informed decisions
Stakeholder engagement and surveys – Designing and leading stakeholder engagement and surveys to provide a key input into the policy evaluation process.
Problem monetisation and policy cost analysis – Conducting financial and economic analysis to provide decision makers with insights into the costs of problems (and opportunities) that a public policy is intended to address and to assess the costs and benefits of policies. We also forecast future demand for services to understand future public policy needs.
Program and project assurance – Applying rigorous accountability and transparency measures to reduce risk, achieve organisational objectives, and support continuous improvement in program and project delivery

We are engaged by leaders and decision makers to conduct strategic policy reviews, which provide confidence that policy frameworks are fit for purpose. Where policies are not meeting user requirements, our public policy team advises on practical solutions to address gaps and make them more effective. Working with decision makers to clarify objectives, we assess the current level of effectiveness of policies and identify solutions, and in doing so, assist policy makers to build a case for change, supported by robust evidence and data.