Narratives in Policy Formulation and Delivery – 25 June 2024

Societies are governed in various ways including through laws, institutions, networks and social norms. Policy narratives are also a significant driver of government policies and an important factor in how they are implemented. Analysis and careful use of evidence are widely promoted ingredients in policy making; narratives (which convey and organise policy information) are also important but perhaps not so widely recognised. In fact, the communication of the rationale for a policy’s aims by means of narratives is key to public understanding of the need for the policy and for its acceptance by the general public. This event explores the impact that narratives have on policy design and implementation, and considers the implications for governance and policy making.