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SY5017 CW1

Social Inequality

Policy Brief Template

(2500 words)

1. Title
2. The title aims to catch the attention of the reader and compel him/her to read on and so needs to be descriptive, punchy and relevant.
3. Executive Summary/ Overview (100words)
4. Describe the problem to be addressed.
5. State why the current approach/policy needs to be changed.
6. Suggest 3 main recommendations for action.

3. Context and Importance of the Problem (900 words)

• Give a clear statement of the problem or issue.
• State the importance/urgency of the problem and why it is relevant.
• Provide anoverview of the root causes of the problem ensuring to back such claims with supporting evidence (ie. references to the wider literature).

4.Critique of current approachesand inadequacy of current policies in tackling the issue (1,000 words)

• A short overview of the way the problem is currently dealt with and the weaknesses or limitations of current policies. Ensuring to back any claims you make with supporting evidence (ie. references to the wider literature).
• Illustrate why and how the current or proposed approach is failing.

5. Policy recommendations

(500words)

• Detail what changes need to be made to existing policy in light of the limitations you outlined in the analysis
• Propose why an alternative approach should be adopted and list what the potential benefits might be. 
• Suggest specific practical actions that need to be taken or measures that need to be implemented
• Include a closing paragraph re-emphasising the importance of the proposed recommendations.

6. References

• Include a reference list in Harvard Style – make sure the referencing is consistent (see Cite it Right).