A critical element of public policy formulation is the availability of expertise, skills and knowledge from individuals outside of the public service to advise and inform Ministers and public bodies. Often this process is formalised by the establishment of a liaison group, steering group, task force, working group, etc. to focus on or examine a particular policy issue or set of related issues. These groups may be representative of key stakeholders and experts in relation to the matters being reviewed.
The establishment of a steering group is an essential aspect of managing projects shared between Departments and is often included as a requirement of the Memorandum of Understanding. The criteria for the setup of the group is described in that document.
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