A little-known tool organisations can use to influence new Ministers, especially new governments following general elections, is a dedicated briefing paper.

 

Traditionally, new Ministries and government agencies supply the new Minister with a written briefing paper explaining their portfolio responsibilities, current issues and work-in-progress.

 

Known as a BIM (Briefing for the Incoming Minister), these can also be supplied unsolicited by organisations who want to influence government policy. We find that new Governments are particularly interested and open to BIMs from non-government organisations.

 

They can signal to a Minister and their officials that your organisation is a key operator in the sector, and familiarise them with your work and areas in the sector needing attention.

 

The best-performing format is two pages, and no more than five, using clear graphics and a couple of key numbers. It should be accompanied by an offer that the Minister visits part of your operation, particularly something that illustrates a key point or issue highlight in the BIM.