What’s working, and what’s exciting in the world of policy? To create a buzz around the brightest ideas, we asked the Apolitical community to share recent policy innovations they believe will address important issues in society.

If you want a policy spotlighted in our next roundup — share it here.

Responses have been lightly edited for consistency.

Lightning summary ⚡

🗣️ A switch to default Welsh-language PC interfaces in schools (Wales, UK)

🤝15% of procurement will be from First Nations’ businesses (Yukon, Canada)

🚓 A recruitment strategy to boost diversity in the police force (UK)

🔢 Collecting race-based data to support policy analysis (Canada)

1. Welsh-language technology action plan — Welsh Government, UK 🗣️

Innovation:

A Welsh-language computer interface is being used as default in all Welsh-language schools in Wales.

This is part of a broad range of tech initiatives to support the preservation and growth of the Welsh language.

Why is it exciting?

It removes an important layer of friction from accessing the language.

Where can I learn more?

Read the full plan set out by the Welsh government here.

2. Government First Nations Procurement Policy — Government of Yukon, Canada 🤝

The policy was co-drafted between the territorial government, and all 14 Yukon First Nations governments. This collaborative drafting process took two years, but it has now moved into implementation phase with the governments continuing to work together on the rollout.

This policy includes very progressive measures such as community development agreements, workforce development plans, etc., which will lead to better outcomes for Yukon First Nations people.

Also included in this policy is a thorough monitoring and evaluation regime, to ensure impacts are being closely monitored, and the policy will be adapted in the future as required. This piece of policy is a step towards reconciliation, and will also support Yukon First Nations people and businesses build capacity and improve economic self-reliance.

Where can I learn more?

CBC covered the highlights of the policy here.

3. Police Uplift Programme — Home Office, UK 🚓

The programme is working to increase the diversity of the police force by creating brave and innovative attraction strategies. The project aims to increase trust and confidence in police forces by making them more representative of the communities they serve.

It is also working in close partnership with policing stakeholders to deliver a full package of measures.

Where can I learn more?

For key stats and quotes, check out this press release from the Home Office.

4. Race-based data collection in policy analysis — Government of Canada 🔢

In its 2021 budget, the Government of Canada acknowledged that it “lacks the detailed statistical data that governments, public institutions, academics, and advocates need in order to take fully informed policy actions and effectively address racial and social inequities.”

It has now committed $172 million over five years towards filling knowledge and data gaps to support fairness and inclusion considerations into decision making.

Where can I learn more?

See the section on Better Data for Better Outcomes in the Government of Canada’s Budget 2021.

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