Effectiveness of internal co-ordination and procedures for evidence-based policymaking in ministries

Internal rules and procedures for policymaking and legal-drafting processes in ministries are established

Checks are carried out in the legislative and regulatory frameworks to assess whether there is a rulebook, manual and/or a guidance document, prepared centrally or by ministries, which contain guidance for ministry officials on internal ministerial procedures, processes and steps for preparation of a policy document, strategy and/or a draft law. The relevant rulebook, manual and/or guidelines contain information and guidance on internal consultation and co-ordination arrangements with various policy-development units of the ministry that would ensure all ministerial priorities and objectives are considered during the preparation of draft laws and/or policy documents (e.g. ministerial units dealing with strategic planning, finance and budget department, and policy/sectoral departments). Interviews with selected ministries. The points are not allocated if there is evidence that not all ministries have such rules and procedures in place.

Ministries are the ultimate responsible institutions for policy development in their respective policy areas

The practice of preparation and submission of draft laws to government for final approval is assessed using the information about all draft laws approved by the government in the previous full calendar year. Checks ensure that central government ministries are responsible for officially submitting draft laws to government for approval, not their subordinate institutions and/or agencies and/or enforcement bodies. Additional checks on the rules of procedures of government to confirm ministries are indeed mandated to lead and co-ordinate policies in their respective areas, including preparation and submission of policy documents for final government approval.

Perceived quality of internal ministerial co-ordination during policymaking by ministry officials (%)

Analysis of survey responses from a sample of public servants to the following question or statement involved in policymaking: “To what extent do you agree with the following statement: Colleagues from other units of my ministry involve and consult me during the development of legal acts and strategies, which affect my area of responsibility.” The perception of ministry officials is checked regarding the quality of internal ministerial co-ordination, involvement, and collaboration during policymaking. Answer options are: Strongly disagree, Tend to disagree, Neither disagree nor agree, Tend to agree, Strongly agree, Do not know, Prefer not to answer. Points are allocated based on the percentage of respondents who replied “Tend to agree” and “Strongly agree” to the survey question (x): • x < 10% = 0 points. • 10% ≤ x < 90% = linear function. • x ≥ 90% = 2 points.