Policy Writing: Developing compelling submissions

Drafting policy submissions is a key part of the work of not-for-profit individuals and organisations. This two-and-a-half-hour online workshop will explore how to prepare, approach and develop policy submissions.

This workshop will draw on case studies and examples from across the not-for-profit sector, created by organisations for the purposes of systemic advocacy. It will include tips, tools, and resources for achieving the best outcome for you and your organisation.

This workshop will be recorded.

Date: 

Thursday 29th May 2025

Times by states: (Please be aware of the time differences for each state)

• VIC, NSW, ACT, QLD & TAS 10:30am-1:00pm
• SA & NT 10:00am- 12.30pm
• WA 8:30-11:00 am

What are people saying about this training?

Here is some of the feedback we’ve received.

" I found the 'What to do with your policy submission once submitted', 'What to consider before preparing a policy submission' and the 'What to include in your policy submission to make the case for change', most useful. Also, all the resources were excellent. I would recommend this online workshop" Andrew Giles MS Australia

"The Policy Writing - Developing Compelling Submissions Course was well delivered and practical and the slides and submission template were good."  Judy Powell, Exercise and Sports Science Australia

The workshop will cover:

1. What to consider before preparing a policy submission

Understanding the review or inquiry process and what role your organisation will play in the process needs to be considered. This part of the workshop will identify processes for your organisation to consider to inform the drafting of a policy submission.

2. What to include in your policy submission to make a case for change

Clearly, articulating policy priorities is important to achieving change. This part of the workshop will explore how to draft policy submissions. We will also explore creative ways to communicate in policy submissions and what information should be included.

3. What to do with your policy submission once submitted

We know that drafting and submitting a policy submission is just one part of the overall process. In this part of the workshop, we will explore what organisations can do once a submission has been drafted to get the most of your submission as part of your strategic advocacy.

4. What to consider when using generative AI in policy writing

Generative AI is emerging as a tool in policy and advocacy work. In this part of the workshop we will explore how to use generative AI in preparing policy documents and the ethical implications of this.

At the end of the Workshop, participants will be able to create a process to draft a policy submission for their organisation and have the tools and templates to create compelling submissions.

Who should attend this Workshop?

This Workshop has been developed for people working in the not-for-profit or for-purpose sector. It is for anyone working to develop policy for systemic advocacy. This includes policy, research, advocacy and government relations managers, advisers and officers.

If you’ve attended the Policy and Advocacy Intensives or accessed our online Policy Writing module, this workshop covers new ground by taking a deep dive into policy submission writing.

About the facilitator

Caterina Giorgi is the Founder of For Purpose. She has worked in purpose driven organisations for almost two decades, including most recently as CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE).

She is also the Chair of Australian Progress and a Founding Member of Women in Public Health. She is an Ambassador of NOFASD and has also previously served on the Boards of YMCA Canberra and Fair Agenda.

Caterina has presented at conferences, delivered training and consulted with organisations on strategy, advocacy, government relations and public policy. She has contributed to legislative and policy changes at all levels of government in health and social policy.

Caterina also has an honours degree in public health and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).