Guides
The following short guides and supporting videos have been developed to help you understand what a policy brief is, different types of policy briefs and audiences and how to write a policy brief.
Be sure to check back into the toolkit as we continue to add new guides and videos to support your policy briefs.
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Understanding Policy Briefs | Types of Policy Brief | Policy Brief Audiences |
| Want to create a policy brief but don’t know where to start? This guide explains what policy briefs are, who they’re for, and how they’re used to turn research into clear, actionable advice for policymakers. It also walks you through the key features, structure, and practical writing tips needed to produce an effective policy brief that can influence realworld decisions. | What type of policy brief is right for your research or policy goal? This guide explains the different types of policy briefs, what roles they play, who they are written for, and when to use each one; from rapid, provisional briefs to indepth informative and implementationfocused briefs. It also includes practical tips and outline templates to help you tailor your policy brief to the audience, context, and impact you want to achieve. | Not sure who you should be writing your policy brief for, or how to tailor it to different readers? This guide helps you identify and understand your intended audience, from ministers and public servants to advocacy groups, journalists, businesses, and academics. It explains how to adapt your message, tone, and structure so your policy brief is relevant, clear, and influential. |
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Sharing your Policy Brief | Alternative Approaches to | |
| Written your policy brief but unsure how to get it in front of the right people? This guide shows you how to effectively share and promote your policy brief, from targeting policymakers and leveraging research networks to using collaborations, social media, and media engagement to maximise reach and impact. | Wondering if a traditional written policy brief is the best way to reach your audience? This guide explores alternative ways to communicate policy insights, such as visuals, narratives, scenarios, social media, video, podcasts, and media articles. It will help you choose formats that cut through information overload and engage decisionmakers more effectively. |




