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Research and knowledge exchange

How to write a policy brief

Policy briefs can be a useful way to inform and influence policy thinking and decisions by providing evidence and recommendations for policymakers. Read our tips on writing an effective brief.

What to consider when developing a policy brief

Policy briefs provide a succinct summary of your key research findings and policy recommendations. To decide which information to include, be clear about your aims and your audience. Think about:

  • What are you trying to achieve? For example, are you aiming to raise awareness of an issue or bring about a change in policy?
  • Who do you want to influence – for example, MPs, ministers, think tanks, NGOs, professional bodies?
  • What are your key messages? Which research findings do you wish to highlight and what recommendations do you want to make?

How to make the best impact

Policymakers are often short of time and need a concise, accessible brief that provides key facts and arguments.

  • Focus on the findings and recommendations, not the methods.
  • Keep sentences and paragraphs short and simple.
  • Avoid technical terms or jargon - imagine you’re explaining the issue to a friend who isn’t a specialist in this field.
  • Use active rather than passive language – for example, be clear who needs to take action.
  • Use diagrams, charts or data visualisations to engage the reader and explain your findings clearly at a glance.
  • Use sub-headings to signpost different sections and make the briefing easy to navigate.
  • Provide links to more detailed information to back up your arguments.

Suggested structure

Aim for two or four A4 pages (total word count of roughly 1,000-2,000 words).

Headline

  • Use a memorable heading that quickly communicates the content. Chose something short and descriptive.

Summary (100 to 200 words)

  • Summarise the purpose of the briefing, the issue you are addressing, important findings and the key policy implications and recommendations.
  • Bullet points can make it easier for readers to understand at a glance what the briefing is about.
  • The summary should contain enough information to stand on its own if the reader doesn’t have time to read the whole brief.

Introduction (50 to 100 words)

  • Briefly identify the issue or problem your recommendations aim to solve.
  • Highlight the urgency – explain why this issue is so important now, who is affected, why the current policy isn’t working, when any key decisions are needed.
  • Provide some context and background to ensure your reader can quickly grasp the history and scope of the issue.

Key findings/argument (max. 1500 words) 

  • Summarise your research and describe the key findings.
  • Present clear evidence, highlight consensus and debate, and be clear about any uncertainties or limitations of your research.
  • Include memorable facts and figures that policymakers can quote in debates.

Policy implications and/or recommendations (250 to 500 words) 

  • Provide clear policy recommendations, supported by your research findings.
  • Keep your recommendations rooted in facts, rather than opinion.
  • Try to ensure your recommendations are specific and achievable.
  • Be as precise as possible - for example, state which organisations and/or individuals need to take action or who will benefit from these actions. 
  • Explain any important deadlines.
  • Describe any cost implications.

References or endnotes 

  • Include sources to show where your information is coming from, and to offer readers the opportunity to explore the evidence.
  • Use open access sources where possible.

Further information and contact details

  • Include relevant details of funders, dates of research etc
  • Add details of the key researchers and how to get in touch.

Sharing your briefing

A policy brief is just the beginning of the policy engagement process. Think of your briefing as a calling card – a way to connect and begin a conversation. Please contact policyteam@susex.ac.uk to discuss the best ways to share your findings and maximise the reach of your work.

Find out more

  • 5XÉçÇøÊÓƵ policy briefings archive 
  • Contact policyteam@susex.ac.uk for a copy of our policy brief template
  •  – a recording of an online training session about how to write and target a policy briefing for Parliament (approximately 30 minutes long)
  • – a guide from the devolved legislatures on how to communicate with parliaments.