The Programme: A Five-Week Policy Journey
The Policy Foundation Programme (PFP) is designed for new joiners across DSIT and DESNZ at grades EO–SEO, typically with two to nine months’ service as policy professionals.
Delivered online, the programme runs over five weeks, with one half-day (three-hour) interactive session each week. This format enables delegates to reflect between modules, apply learning in the workplace, and return with questions and insight.
The overall aim of the programme is to develop structured policy making through clarity on:
- The policy situation
- The evidence base
- Options and trade-offs
- Practical and deliverable solutions
The five modules cover:
Module 1 – Overview of Policy Making
An introduction to the policy cycle, roles and responsibilities, and how decisions are shaped within government. Delegates explore how political context, stakeholder dynamics and delivery realities influence policy development.
Module 2 – Developing Your Evidence Base
Participants examine how to build robust, proportionate and credible evidence. This includes understanding different types of evidence, assessing quality, and balancing analytical rigour with pace.
Module 3 – Designing and Planning
This module focuses on translating evidence into clear options. Delegates learn how to assess trade-offs, consider risk, and structure recommendations that are realistic and strategically aligned.
Module 4 – Implementation and Delivery
Policy success depends on effective delivery. This session explores implementation planning, stakeholder management, operational considerations and the importance of cross-government collaboration.
Module 5 – Evaluation and Briefing a Minister
The final module brings the learning together. Delegates consider evaluation frameworks and the importance of learning loops before participating in a practical ministerial briefing exercise.
Real-World Simulation
A defining feature of the programme is the ministerial simulation in Week Five.
During this session, delegates present their case study work to a former government Minister, who acts in role as a serving Minister. Participants must brief clearly, justify their recommendations and respond to challenge in real time. The Minister provides direct, candid feedback on both content and delivery.
This immersive element creates a powerful learning experience, simulating the pressure and pace of real-life ministerial engagement. Delegates consistently report that this is one of the most valuable components of the programme.
All sessions are delivered by former Senior Civil Servants, bringing first-hand insight into how policy is shaped, challenged and delivered at the highest levels of government. Their practical experience ensures that discussions are grounded in reality rather than theory alone.
As one delegate commented: “Absolutely loved the sessions. Our facilitator was amazing, so extremely knowledgeable and helpful.”
Interactive Online Delivery
The programme is delivered fully online, using interactive tools and structured exercises to maintain engagement across the five-week journey.
Each session blends taught content with facilitated discussion, small-group work and application to a live case study. Delegates build relationships across teams and directorates, strengthening internal networks alongside their technical policy skills.
The combination of expert facilitation, peer learning and practical simulation ensures that policy theory is translated into workplace confidence.
Impact
Since first delivering to BEIS in 2021, and subsequently redesigning for DSIT and DESNZ in 2024, the Policy Foundation Programme has supported the development of early-career policy professionals across three government departments.
Delegates complete the programme with:
- A clear understanding of the end-to-end policy cycle
- Greater confidence in structuring evidence and options
- Improved capability in ministerial briefing
- Stronger appreciation of implementation and evaluation considerations
By combining structured learning, expert insight, and realistic simulation, Total Training continues to strengthen policy capability at the heart of government.