Looking to influence public policy under Burnham? Hold the big ideas and think small
Public affairs, campaign, lobbying and advocacy folks pushing for policy change… are you thinking small enough?
As important as they are, you might want to hold fire on those big (and costly) policy ideas for a bit - small is where it's at right now.
Petrol prices added to Google Maps 🗺️
Scrapping extra fees on flights to sit next to your family ✈️
Being able to simply jump on another operator's train if yours is cancelled 🚆
The ability to use approved apps to prove your age 🆔
As described by the new PM, these are small, simple, 'common sense' changes that aim to make people's lives that bit better.
And under 'Manchesterism' they are being churned out at a rate of knots, proudly fronted by the PM himself on social media.
Capturing the zeitgeist, Martin Lewis of Moneysavingexpert has launched The Small Ideas Initiative in conjunction with Nesta.
The public have a month to submit suggestions for practical, low cost, non-controversial ways to improve the UK. Health, schools, transport, business, housing, policing, justice, tech, shopping, money - it's all up for grabs. 200 of these ideas for everyday fixes will be turned into professional policy.
A cross-party panel of politicians and policy experts including Mayor Tracy Brabin, Danny Kruger, Dame Penny Mordaunt, and others will then choose the final ideas to take to government, councils and regulators - with the goal of getting them turned into action.
"The Initiative aims to bypass the structural and often partisan issues that typically occupy politicians, instead providing a unique focus on the smaller fixes across a huge range of areas that could quickly improve daily life," says Lewis.
Go big or go home? At the moment, small (and cheap) is where it's at if you’re looking for policy traction.
Need support and advice on your policy influencing and engagement work? Drop me a line (alex@whetstonecomms.com) to discuss how my experience and insights might help you.
