The OEP is developing its methodology for producing multi-annual integrated assessments of the UK and Northern Ireland Governments’ progress with delivering their Environmental Improvement Plans (EIP). We Commissioned ICF Consulting Services Ltd, with CECAN Ltd and Matthew Baumann Associates, to develop a tool for mapping and reviewing policy systems, which could be applied to any specific area of an EIP, and which could be used to inform our assessment of policy progress.
This project developed the Environmental Policy System Review (EPSR) tool and tested it by applying it to the Environment Land Management policy in England. The EPSR includes a framework of six components of a policy system and evaluative criteria that can be used to assess its quality. An 8-step process for applying the tool was developed, involving document analysis and iterative stakeholder engagement. The EPSR was tested in the case of Environmental Land Management, highlighting strengths and weaknesses affecting its delivery. Conclusions about the EPSR and its future use in OEP assessments are also offered.
The views provided in this report are those of ICF Consulting Services Ltd, with CECAN Ltd and Matthew Baumann Associates, University of Oxford and do not represent the opinion or position of the OEP. Some of the analysis in this report was used to inform the OEP’s report Progress in improving the natural environment in England 2023/2024.