Policy pick-apart

This workshop plan offers quick, easy, and flexible structure for groups looking to feel more confident in critically discussing radical policies. Using an example from the RadHR library, groups will take time to read, reflect, and discuss what they liked (and didn’t like), and make some initial agreements on the next steps in their policy writing journey.

Context 

You’re an existing group of up to 6 people who are in the early stages of creating a new policy for their organisation, or are less familiar with collective policymaking and want to get a sense of what’s ‘out there’. This workshop offers you a chance to familiarise yourselves with what radical policy looks like around a particular policy area you’re working on (e.g. leave, pay, decision-making) – with the aim to come out of the session with a sense of a) what’s possible and b) where you might head next.

Plan

Time needed: ~70-90 minutes, though times will vary depending on how many policies you are planning to look at. For each additional policy you’re planning to pick apart, add ~60-80 minutes (20-40 minutes for reading, 30 minutes for discussion, and a 10 minute break).

Materials

A policy (or two, or three…) from the RadHR library which you’d like to ‘pick apart’, in either digital or hard copy format.

Prep requirements

• The policy area you are planning to focus on (eg. Pay, Safeguarding, Leave, etc.)
• One or more related policies from the RadHR library the group will be working with. (This can be selected by the facilitator, or agreed in advance by the team).
• Someone in the group who is comfortable facilitating;
• Ideally, a co-facilitator/note-taker.