This framework assists Ministers, their senior staff and departmental leaders to set priorities after considering a balanced suite of evidence and information. It is intended as guidance and can form part of a wider set of approaches and management frameworks for a Minister. It includes a range of templates that can be amended for the circumstances.

Used effectively, the framework can improve the impact of Ministers and their government through the appropriate consideration of long-term challenges in context, and the subsequent actions in pursuing a deliberate medium-term response. Ultimately, the framework is guidance for better decisions – more timely, more effective, better aligned with partners, better informed and more transparent.

The framework is based on the experience and insights of practice. The insights have come from a range of current and former Ministers, Chiefs of Staff and departmental secretaries, locally and internationally.

The DIPR framework key steps

1. Decide – the decision to use the framework and securing a mandate to do so.
2. Input – commission the Input pack with the Department using the 'Compass' structure.
3. Prioritise – consider the inputs, key issues and potential priorities, including their viability. Then settle priorities and the related actions.
4. Review and renew – regular reporting and discussion is used to track progress. Priorities and actions are updated over time.