About

In October 2006 the Allen Consulting Group, in cooperation with a number of leading government policy departments, initiated a series of Policy Forums, the objective of which is to promote conversation on topical public policy issues amongst a diverse group of people who are in leadership positions in government, business or the community, or are potential future leaders, and who share a strong interest in public policy.

Members and their guests meet to listen to authoritative speakers and engage in conversation across the spectrum of policy issues with others who have a passion for public policy.

Participation in the forum is by invitation and will be maintained over time for the same set of participants, thus allowing for the development of a healthy group dynamic. Members may also bring a guest, which expands the network and brings in fresh insights.

The objectives in selecting and inviting participants are:

• to invite participants in an individual capacity and not as representatives of their organisation or sector (the purpose of this is to promote open debate);
• to target individuals with a strong interest in public policy and a desire and capability to actively contribute to discussions on policy issues (the purpose of this is to have a high level of good quality debate); and
• to target individuals that are in leadership positions or that are considered to have the capability to assume leadership positions in the future (to hopefully have some longer term influence on outcomes).

It is envisaged that the organisations from which participants are drawn will benefit in participation in the forum through the networking opportunities and through the exposure of the participants to a broader range of public policy issues, and a broader range of views on these issues, that would be encountered in their day to day duties.

The Chatham House rule would apply to encourage open debate - participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed. The rule was developed the Royal Institute of International Affairs at Chatham House, with the aim of encouraging open discussion and the sharing of information.

Events take place at breakfast or lunch every two to three months. Each member agrees to take their turn at hosting an event, other than some NGOs where they may not be in a position to do so. The Allen Consulting Group provides the secretariat for the forum.