Policy Drafting: Where Concept Meets Approval

The Challenge of Policy Drafting

Writing a policy paper is a unique challenge that goes beyond the straightforward nature of technical reports or data-driven submissions. Policy drafting often lacks the clarity of objectives found in technical papers and the abundance of evidence typically available for standard reports. This complexity is further compounded when crafting qualitative arguments, where the objectives may be multi-faceted, the direction ambiguous, and quantitative support minimal. For young professionals and seasoned writers alike, navigating these challenges requires not just skill but also strategic thinking and creative problem-solving to produce persuasive, well-structured policies that gain approval from decision-makers.

Step by Step Guide to Crafting Clear, Effective Policies and Procedures

Effective policies and procedures serve as the backbone of organizational operations, communicating expectations and providing guidance on how to act within regulatory frameworks. This hands-on workshop equips participants with the tools to evaluate and draft policy documents that are clear, persuasive, and comprehensive. Using practical, project management-inspired approaches, participants will learn to structure policy documents, present qualitative arguments effectively, and strike the right balance between detail and clarity. By the end of the workshop, attendees will have the skills to create impactful policy drafts that resonate with their audience and facilitate informed decision-making.

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Understand the Unique Nature of Policy Writing: Differentiate policy writing from other forms of report writing by identifying its purpose, scope, and unique challenges.
• Apply Best Practices for Clear and Effective Documentation: Craft clear, concise, and impactful written rules, guidelines, and official documents using industry best practices.
• Ensure Consistency and Compliance: Establish a systematic approach to identify and address document or policy requirements, ensuring consistency and alignment with organizational objectives.
• Master the Essential Elements of Policies and Procedures: Understand the key components that every policy or procedure document should include to make it comprehensive and actionable.
• Develop Practical Policy Writing Skills: Use tools like the AOS Thesis Summary © for efficient planning and the Post-Mortem © tool for effective drafting. Practice these techniques through multiple hands-on exercises to refine your policy drafting capabilities.

• Policy Officers and Staff Writers: Ideal for those responsible for conceptualizing and drafting qualitative policy papers for approval, discussion, or implementation.
• Senior Officers and Executives: Professionals who need to write reports, procedures, and processes, looking to enhance their writing skills and improve the clarity and effectiveness of their documents.
• Academics, Consultants, and Curriculum Developers: Individuals keen to master the correct methodologies for policy drafting to ensure precision, structure, and persuasiveness in their work.

“Sunny is one of the most dedicated and passionate lecturers I have come across. He is clear in his delivery and explanation, and weaves in real life examples of the concepts he teaches. The course is very useful and provides a good, structured way of thinking out a policy paper and is highly recommended for all public service officers who are involved in policy work.”  Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS)

“This course is not just a normal writing course on drafting a policy paper, as it provides useful insights and policy considerations as well.” NParks

“Dr Sunny is effective in delivering the course and his depth of knowledge in this area has facilitated it to be smooth running and paced suitably for learning. He has also included examples for the ease of our learning and applicability of the concepts.” Land Transport Authority (LTA)

“The course by Dr Sunny gives us very good overview, guidelines and examples of how to draft good public policies.” MINDEF

Dr. Sunny Goh – Policy Drafting and Communication Expert

Dr. Sunny Goh is a renowned Policy Drafting Expert and Trainer of Trainers (TOT) with extensive experience in developing and delivering writing programs for government and private sector professionals. As the former Head of the International Directorate in MINDEF’s Defence Policy Office, Dr. Goh has a wealth of experience drafting high-level documents, including Cabinet Memos and budget papers, as well as presenting Singapore’s positions at international forums. His expertise spans various disciplines, making him a trusted authority in teaching policy writing, report drafting, and effective communication. Dr. Goh has also served as a Desk Editor at The Straits Times, where he honed his skills in reporting and interviewing and taught aspiring journalists at its School of Journalism.

Dr. Goh’s diverse experience includes mentoring participants from all walks of life—CEOs, professors, staff writers, technical specialists, and students—proving his belief that learning transcends hierarchy. His practical, engaging training methods ensure participants gain the confidence and skills to produce impactful policy documents. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Goh is an active community leader, having served as a Mediator with the Ministry of Law and a Council Member of the Singapore Red Cross Society. A passionate communicator, he contributes regularly to local and regional media and co-founded a vibrant English Premier League supporters club in Singapore. Dr. Goh’s comprehensive expertise and dynamic teaching style make him a highly sought-after trainer in policy drafting and effective communication.