About the Policy Network

The Policy Network was formed in 1989 to support staff working in policy and review. Our main aim is to help practitioners and service managers to learn from the experience of others. We exchange information and share best practice to promote excellence in management performance and service delivery at all levels within public service organisations.

Our aim is to facilitate and contribute to the exchange of information, experience and development and promote good practice in management, performance and service delivery at both strategic and operational levels in public services.

The Policy Network membership base is predominantly drawn from local government organisations, but we also have members from central government, the private sector and other related organisations.

Members join on an individual basis which results in a wide range of disciplines being part of the network such as:

  • corporate support
  • consultancy services
  • management services
  • audit
  • research and advisory
  • policy and performance review
The Policy Network offers useful contacts on every subject you are likely to deal with and puts you in touch with other like-minded people who have done it already and are prepare to help others. Including:
  • chief executives
  • corporate and executive directors
  • heads of service· assistant directors
  • heads of corporate policy
  • best value officers
  • project managers
  • performance review officers
  • auditors
  • scrutiny officers

Benefits of membership include:

  • access to an established network of policy professionals who are willing to support, assist and help others working on similar projects


  • first notification of unique training opportunities designed and delivered by experienced practitioners specifically to meet the professional development needs of policy people
  • opportunities for the exchange of information within a supportive environment


  • gaining from the experience of other policy people to provide a real cost benefit to your organisation

The Policy Network is a not-for-profit organisation and run by practitioners for practitioners by a board elected from the membership.