Policy development cycle
PiP formulates policy via:
• a rolling programme of policy development which leads to the next manifesto; and
• a year-round cycle of work on current issues, with continued dialogue between the party and government.
A continuing focus on current issues starts with policy commissions bringing forward annual work
programmes, which consider issues arising from the implementation of the manifesto, as well as identifying specific topical issues which the commission will focus its work on. Commissions also discuss other topics as they emerge through the year.
Medium-term policy development is done through the production of policy consultation documents which takes place in three stages, over three years:
First stage (last held in 2006) – A single, broad document which considers the big challenges that face the party as it develops policy.
Second stage (last held in 2007) – These second year documents will outline the policy choices emerging from the initial discussion. They will consider either specific policy areas, or where appropriate, cross-cutting themes. The total number of documents and the topics they cover will be decided closer to the time.
Third stage (last held in 2008) – Final year policy documents will be produced which will then be
considered for amendment at a ‘Warwick-type’ National Policy Forum (NPF). Working through their NPF representatives, each party unit will be entitled to submit amendments and have them considered at this ‘Warwick stage’ of the NPF. In 2008, for the first time ever – and as part of a commitment to allow all party stakeholders (including CLPs) to have a say in the final drafting stage of these documents - the ‘final’ draft documents were circulated more widely with local parties able to submit specific textual amendments. Following amendment and agreement at the ‘Warwick-type’ NPF, the policy documents go forward to Annual Conference for agreement. Once agreed they form the party’s policy programme on which the manifesto for the next election is based.