How to Write a Policy Proposal

Efficiency and effectiveness are often two outcomes of a policy change. Making change can be difficult, but putting facts on paper is the best way to make your case. Policy proposals can be carried out in a variety of settings, from academics to business. In a policy proposal you attempt to address a problem and describe how the problem can be resolved or changed. If you are writing a policy proposal, knowing the steps to follow and the necessary requirements can help you create an effective proposal. If you are writing a proposal for a specific forum with certain format requirements, make sure your proposal follows these. For example, if working from home is a cost efficient change that would accommodate the needs of employees and the organization, a policy proposal presented to leadership is the best course of action.

First, research the issue so that you can incorporate facts into your proposal. Factual information adds to the credibility of what you are proposing, supports your proposed change and highlights any faults with the current policies. For example, if work space is an issue, calculate the square footage needed to fulfill workstation needs and show how working remotely would solve the problem.

Begin your proposal by stating the problem and how it affects the audience. For example, if there is a company policy or practice you feel is ineffective or hindering employees, state that. Or if you are arguing against research findings, state your reasons against the research and why.

Follow your statement with a proposed solution and how to implement it. For example, outline the rules that would be applied to employees that work from home and outline how employee workflow would be monitored.

Present research and facts that support your proposal. These can be from scientific studies, other companies or organizations that have followed the newly proposed policy or other credible sources that support your argument. For example, provide examples of other successful companies that have implemented a remote workforce and include the cost savings and employee satisfaction numbers in your proposal. Visuals can help to elaborate on your proposal and make it easier to understand. Visuals can include poster boards, PowerPoint presentations or videos that support your point.

Write a short conclusion to your proposal. Keep your conclusion to a paragraph or two that summarizes all of the information you have stated and presented in your policy proposal.

Write up a “Works Cited” page for any factual information you cited in the paper from other sources, as well as a bibliography page for any research you used in writing your proposal. The works cited page is only for quotes that you included directly from other sources, whereas a bibliography incorporates any sources you used in gathering information for your article.