How can behavioural insights inform public policy making? A policy brief to support the Northern Ireland Civil Service in identifying opportunities for embedding Behavioural Insights

Executive Summary
This paper synthesises findings from desk-based research conducted by Ulster
University (UU) to support the Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) decision making regarding the continued role of behavioural insights. In presenting options for consideration, it outlines three key routes governments can use to access behavioural insights and an overview of opportunities for the application of behavioural insights across the five stages of the policy cycle. These are set within a Programme for Government (PfG) framework. The review identified six key considerations associated with the use of behavioural insights in policymaking. Each of these areas has potential implications for rigour, uptake, outcomes, and the overall policymaking process itself. These are presented to equip decision makers with a more robust context against which to select options and to ensure that any selection that is made has the opportunity to be transformative. Finally, five recommendations are made regarding next steps:
• Conducting empirical research to identify the facilitators and barriers to accessing NICS provision of behavioural insights, including with current and past
project sponsors;
• Undertaking engagement with staff to explore the benefits and opportunities of BI delivery model options within the NICS context;
• Evaluating capacity to fund and staff the resource effectively, whether through
internal hires or external expertise;
• Developing a framework for capacity building within the NICS; and, integral to all the above;
• Establishing a collaborative working group.