2023 UN Policy on Artificial Intelligence

Identifying and Influencing Policymakers

• A policy is a set of ideas or a plan for dealing with specific situations, officially agreed upon by a group (e.g., people, business, government, political party).
• Policy decisions can be about starting an action, stopping an action, or changing the method of doing something.
• Policy decisions sometimes involve preventing or halting actions already planned or considered.
• Policymakers cover a range of entities: UK National Government, National Parliament, Local Government, Devolved Assemblies, International Organisations, and Governments/Parliament's in other countries.
• Key influencers in a particular policy decision include civil servants, directors/deputy directors, learned bodies (e.g. RCGP), those affected by the decision (i.e., the public), Parliament (e.g., APPGs, Select Committees), politicians, and PPS (Parliamentary Private Secretaries).
• Key members of a typical government department include the Secretary of State, other ministers, Permanent Secretary, and civil servants (Director-General, Director, Deputy Director).
• Resources available to help find policymakers (e.g., government departments, representatives) include online tools, such as gov.uk, which provides relevant contact information, news, publications, and areas of responsibility. Specific details include the names of ministers, senior civil servants, latest news, publications, and areas of responsibility within government agencies.
• The UK government has departments focused on AI, including the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT), and the Office for AI.
• The UK Parliament scrutinizes the work of the government and makes new laws, as well as providing policy recommendations to the government.
• Parliament includes select committees, bill committees, all-party parliamentary groups, individual MPs, the libraries of both houses (Commons and Lords), and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology.
• Local Government focuses on sub-national policy decisions and service delivery.
• International organizations also have a role in policy creation, as evidenced by the appointment of Dame Wendy Hall to the United Nations' advisory body on artificial intelligence. A variety of websites and resources can help explore issues for international and global organizations.

Policy Brief Structure & Elements

• Policy briefs are concise, standalone documents focusing on a specific issue, summarizing evidence, highlighting solutions, and suggesting policy changes.
• Policy briefs are written for non-specialists.
• They often follow a structured format, including a summary of key points, policy recommendations, a wider context, quotes or visuals, author background, and links to further reading.
• Policy briefs should contain clear, accessible language, avoiding jargon or emotive language. They should be concise, easy to understand, and focus on providing actionable solutions.
• Policy briefs should have a clear, well-defined structure (e.g., with clear sections), and key messages should be presented up front.
• Recommendations are what the author thinks should happen, whereas implications outline the expected policy changes following a recommendation.
• Writing a policy brief requires understanding the target audience (policymakers), their likely questions, and any existing perspectives on the issue.
• Effective policy briefs have a clear and concise aim, such as changing/revising a policy, raising awareness about an issue, or persuading the audience about the urgency of a problem and need for change.
• The brief should also consider the wider context, cost implications, the impacts on people, and what regions are most affected.

Dissemination and Engagement

• Policy briefs can be distributed through various channels (e.g., websites, social media, meetings, presentations).
• Building a profile through social media can help policymakers discover your expertise and engagement with relevant topics.
• Engage policymakers in person, or via roundtables, webinars, or seminars.
• Any correspondence sent requires a compelling, clear request.
• Use social media channels for dissemination, and building an online presence.
• It is important to identify and analyze stakeholders, and to create tailored strategies for each target audience.

Considerations for Policymakers

• Policymakers face deadlines, the need to understand the bigger picture, and the importance of real-world implications.
• Policymakers are influenced by emerging issues, the pace of change, issues in relation to implementation, their values, any pre-existing views, research requirements, financial limitations, and potential consequences.
• When considering a new policy, policymakers may focus on real-world problems, timing, pace of change, implementation, emerging issues, research requirements, budget constraints, and relevant values.

Structuring a Successful Engagement Strategy

• A successful strategy typically involves comprehensive research, a well-defined purpose, and effective communication.
• Comprehensive research (i.e., examining white and green papers, government reports, parliamentary inquiries, Hansard library materials, and third-sector/NGO reports, public discourse, media and public opinion) is needed to support your suggestions.
• A strong approach analyzes political contexts, current realities, and any competing narratives, frames the issue clearly, shows the need for change, and highlights the advantages of your proposals. The proposal should offer realistic solutions with practical implementations.
• Policy briefs are one tool within a broader engagement strategy. Effective strategies are not limited to single channels, but a combination of approaches. Effective engagement focuses on understanding the audience, identifying best practices, and maintaining ongoing communication with them.