Policy and Governance Bootcamp

The proposed training series underscores that policy analysts, program officers, and managers work in a complex environment of conflicting demands, expanding knowledge, multiple stakeholders, and issues that cut across the mandates of various departments and agencies. Through the Bootcamp, participants will explore what policy is and the current policy-making context, the framing of an issue based on evidence, the engagement of partners and development of policy options and the policy/program interface required for successful implementation. This bootcamp is a fast-track opportunity to complete the first four mandatory core courses from the Policy and Governance Learning Certificate.

The Policy Bootcamp covers the following courses:

• Policy 1 - Policy Cycle and Role of the Policy Analyst - In Policy 1, you'll develop core competencies for navigating complex policies.

• Policy 2: Evidence Based Policy Making -  We will explore evidence-based policy-making and environmental scanning to understand the context and challenges you face as you think about public policy.

• Policy 3: Policy Formulation and Advice - This course gives you the confidence and skills to use critical thinking and different models and techniques to formulate policy options for decision-makers.

• Policy 4: Innovation in Policy-Making and Behavioral Insights - In this session, we look at human-centred design and the innovative thinking techniques that allow you to incorporate diverse perspectives, inclusive design techniques, and behavioural insights into your policy work.

(Click on each course title for detailed descriptions.)

Duration:

• 2-day, in-person course held at IOG’s offices in Ottawa’s ByWard Market from 9 am - 4 pm each day. A light breakfast, coffee and refreshments, and lunch are included.

Who should take this course

This bootcamp is ideal for:

• Individuals starting a new role in policy
• Public servants considering a transition into a policy-focused career within government

Join us for this transformative experience and take your Policy knowledge to the next level!

Special Offers

Take advantage of these exclusive discounts available when registering for IOG courses:

1. Group Course Discount: Register 3 or more colleagues together for the same course and receive 10% off your total registration fee.  
   Learning together builds team capacity—and helps you save on training costs.
2. Individual Bundle Discount: Register as an individual for 3 or more courses at the same time and save 10% on your total registration fee.
   Advance your professional development while maximizing value

Catherine Waters is the Manager of the Learning Lab with the Institute on Governance. She has extensive experience as a consultant, researcher, and instructor/facilitator in the areas of public management, public policy, organizational development, and corporate governance. Catherine has a special interest in the areas of modernizing governance, citizen engagement and democratic participation, and Aboriginal governance. Catherine has co-authored articles in a number of policy journals. In the area of professional development and life-long learning, she developed and delivered distance learning for the Government of Nunavut and the Certified Management Accountants to expand access to training opportunities to a wider group of public servants. Catherine teaches in Carleton University’s MA program in Public Policy and Administration, on Public Management and Labour Relations & Collective Bargaining.

Catherine previously worked in London U.K. as a Senior HR Manager for British Telecommunications plc, focusing on international business development in the US and EU and labor relations. Particular areas of interest included the integration of international joint ventures, organizational change, and professional development and training. Catherine holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and French literature (Honours) from the University of Victoria, a Masters in Public Policy and Administration from Carleton University and an MSc in Labour Economics (With Distinction) from the London School of Economics.

As an IOG instructor, Catherine has provided custom training for various ministries in the Government of Ontario, including the Ministry of Transportation, and board training for Ontario agencies, boards and commissions.

Toby Fyfe is a seasoned senior executive with experience in both the public and not-for-profit sectors. As a senior federal government executive, he led teams at the Privy Council Office and Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat as well as in line organizations such as Consumer of Corporate Affairs Canada, the Canada Information Office, and the Office of the Commissioner of Official Languages. He was President and CEO of the Institute on Governance for five years after serving as the Vice-President of Learning.

As a management consultant he has worked with a number of public sector organizations to improve performance, including the RCMP where he worked on the design and implementation of a continuous improvement and transformation initiative. Before joining the federal government, he was a CBC Radio news and current affairs producer for seventeen years.

He is a Senior Fellow and Adjunct Professor at the Queens University School of Policy Studies (SPS) and an Adjunct Professor at Carleton University’s School of Public Policy and Administration (SPPA).