Strategic Policy Division

Wendy Lecky is the Acting Director of Strategic Policy Division (SPD) and Head of the NICS Economist Profession.

Overview

SPD is responsible for maintaining the Better Business Cases NI guidance. This guidance provides a clear framework for appraising, developing and planning expenditure and investment decisions using the Five Case Model to deliver best value for money across the public sector. The Division also plays a lead role in assessing high value and contentious cases. Better Business Cases NI guidance can be found at the following link:

• Better Business Cases NI

SPD also has a role in determining guidance, approval processes and the provision of technical advice for public sector pay.

In addition, SPD provides an important economic policy briefing, analysis and advice service for the Minister of Finance and senior officials. This includes engagement and liaison with HM Treasury, the banking sector, business bodies, economists and the research community.

The Division is also the sponsor body for the independent Fiscal Council - the body created to bring greater transparency and scrutiny to NI’s public finances. The Division has lead responsibility in bringing forward legislation to put the Fiscal Council on a statutory footing.

A further key aspect of the division’s work is the recruitment, management and development of the NICS Economist Profession, where over 140 economist staff are currently posted throughout NI Government Departments and their ALBs.

Structure

The division consists of two main business areas – Economic Policy & Analysis and Economic Appraisal & Pay.

Key Contacts