This document is an internal policy of YAPA. Use it to help develop your own agency's internal policies. You will have to make changes to suit your own context and any legal requirements which apply to you.
Policy
YAPA will use a team focused, open and accountable process for deciding which policy issues to take action on
The YAPA Strategic Plan outlines YAPA's planned action on key focus areas.
YAPA will also respond to policy issues as they arise throughout the year by using the agreed guideline below:
Procedure
If a policy issue is identified by a staff member they will use the guideline to determine a response to the issue.
If the policy issue is in line with the guidelines the staff member may undertake limited action on the issue, for example by issuing a media release, writing to the Minister or attending a meeting with relevant stakeholders. This is particularly important for dealing with urgent issues in the public spotlight. The staff member will inform co-workers of any action undertaken at the Policy & Project meeting. Policy & project staff will discuss the issue at the meeting and may identify further action to be taken or the withdrawal of a commitment.
If the policy issue is in line with the guidelines and requires a significant response from YAPA, such as the development of a new campaign or resource then the issue will be discussed at the policy & project meeting, to determine a suitable course of action.
If a policy issue does not meet the guidelines then staff will note the issue for future planning purposes, the issue does not need to go to a Policy & Project meeting. If possible YAPA will refer the issue or request to a more appropriate agency.
If staff cannot reach consensus on the issue then a decision will be made by the EO, in reference to the guidelines.
Guideline for deciding to take action on policy issues
1. Is the action reflective of:
- YAPA's social justice objective, focusing on the most disadvantaged young people
- The results of youth and youth sector consultations
- YAPA's strategic plan and key focus areas
- YAPA pre-determined policy principles. (If a staff member is unsure about YAPA's position on a particular issue they should consult relevant background documents and consult with other YAPA staff)
- Do we have the staff time, administration support, budget and resources to take action? Can we still achieve strategies already identified for our key focus areas if we take action on this issue?
- Is this issue having a major impact (or likely to have a major impact) on the lives of disadvantaged young people? Is this issue a priority over other issues?
- Who else is working on this issue? Are we the only organisation that can undertake this work? Is there another agency that is better placed to advocate on this issue? Can we work in partnership or collaboration on the issue?
- Can YAPAs contribution significantly increase / affect the outcome of the issue? (ie overturn a government decision, lead to a significant change in practice)
- How urgent is it that action happens?
Not urgent |
Very Urgent |
|
Not important |
Not as important and not urgent Priority C |
Very urgent but not as important Priority B |
Very Important |
Very important but not as urgent Priority B |
Very Urgent and Very Important Priority A |
- Will the workload result in a high impact? (ie, workload<impact)
Low impact |
High impact |
|
High workload |
High workload with low impact Priority C |
High workload with high impact Priority B |
Low workload |
Low workload with low impact Priority B |
High impact with low workload Priority A |
2. Will the action compliment or add value to YAPA's pre-existing work or resources on the issue?
3. Will the action be in keeping with YAPA internal policies, including human resource management policies?
Date adopted by the Board of Management |
23 May 2005 |
Date of commencement |
1 June 2005 |
