Explaining the role of civil servants in the policy process: Policy advice and learning dynamics

Aubin, David [UCL] Lhommeau, Lev [UCL] Squevin, Pierre Louis Daniel [UCL] Riche, Cécile [UCL]

The involvement of civil servants in the policy process has recently been reconsidered with the studies about policy work and political advice. This communication intends to further theorize their policy advisory role with the theories of policy learning. The policy advisory role refers to the individual’s capacity of producing usable knowledge for policy formulation and be listened to. Advice utilization requires mutual learning and adjustment between civil servants and ministers. Both the policy advisory role and individual learning are influenced by the position and individual behaviour of the civil servant. Position relates to the institutional context and individual behaviour to the way civil servants commit themselves in policy advice. The policy advisory role of civil servants increases when those are recognised in their functions, maintain a learning dynamics and create a shared understanding of the policy with the ministers. The communication presents the analytical framework, and opens up the discussion for empirical and comparative research.