Protecting the Policymakers

Oxford Policy Management has grown from a university offshoot to a global consultancy. Flexible insurance has been a key enabler in their growth.

Oxford Policy Management (OPM) aims to improve lives through sustainable policy change. It works with government leaders around the world, together with the EU, UN, World Bank and many other organisations and NGOs to drive positive change in low- and middle-income societies.

OPM began life at the University of Oxford back in 1979, using an applied research approach to help solve food security problems in Eastern and Southern Africa. Whilst the organisation retains the rigour of this academic and analytical approach today, it now tackles the whole policy cycle, from design and implementation to evaluation and lessons learned.

Just as the scope of what OPM offers has grown, so has the scale. From an offshoot of a university department, the organisation now has over 480 employees working from 13 offices around the world, with a turnover in excess of £60 million a year.

A broad church of expertise

OPM has six broad areas of expertise:

1. CLIMATE AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Including investigating environmentally-responsible methods of using natural resources, analysing how best to budget for the effects of climate change and advising on approaches to climate adaptation.

OPM IN ACTION: Helping the Nepal Government to plan how best to get emergency resources to people in need following earthquakes and other natural disasters, often in remote and hard-to-reach locations.

2. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

From macroeconomic policy to urban development, supporting comprehensive economic reforms in low- and middle-income countries, at a sectoral and institutional level.

OPM IN ACTION: Female economic empowerment in Mozambique, working to secure a brighter future for young women in urban areas.

3. EVIDENCE AND STATISTICS

Helping low- and middle-income countries to develop strong statistical systems and produce reliable data that can inform sound policymaking for years to come.

OPM IN ACTION: Assessing what impact small and mid-scale distributed solar energy projects have delivered for local beneficiaries in India.

4. GOVERNANCE

Working with governments to create structures that are efficient, accountable and transparent, supporting economic growth and the reduction of poverty and disadvantage.

OPM IN ACTION: Supporting two provincial governments in Pakistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to develop innovative delivery of public services that can be scaled-up and replicated across the country.

5. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

Working with decision makers to ensure that health, education, sanitation, nutrition, and social care are delivered effectively and efficiently.

OPM IN ACTION: Working with the Royal Thai Government to assess how to implement a more inclusive social protection system for its most vulnerable citizens.

6. POVERTY AND EMPOWERMENT

Helping governments and NGOs to understand the multi-dimensional nature of poverty in each specific context and producing accurate measurement and analysis to form effective programmes.

OPM IN ACTION: Ensuring inclusiveness and service delivery for persons with disabilities in Mongolia, making a shift from a purely medical lens to a social perspective.

Projects focused on lasting impact

OPM works on big challenges, working towards policy change that is both practical and politically feasible. The approach with clients and partners is collaborative, shaping projects in a way that leads to lasting, positive change and builds local capabilities over the long term.

At the heart of OPM operations is professional advice and consultation. This is backed up by people on the ground. Some work closely with international development funders in major cities in the UK, US, Australia and other developed societies. Others work in local offices in low-and middle-income countries, supporting national governments and working in the field, sometimes in remote or challenging locations.

James Warton, with the impressive title of ‘International Offices Compliance and Supplier Due Diligence Officer’ has been with OPM for over 20 years. He says that a flexible approach to risk management has been key to protecting the organisation and its people during its stellar growth.

“Having Bellwood Prestbury’s expertise is invaluable”

James says: “Bellwood Prestbury support us with global policies for professional liability, public liability, directors’ & officers’ liability, and employee insurance. This gives us the confidence that wherever our work takes us, and whatever the scope, we know that the organisation and individuals are properly protected all of the time. We also provide business travel and personal accident insurance cover for staff and project consultants deployed outside their home countries."

James goes on to say: "Each of our 13 offices then organises cover for things like employers’ liability and employee benefits locally to suit their needs. Having Bellwood Prestbury’s expertise is invaluable here too, because they review the local policies for us, so we know that we are consistently offering the right level of protection for our people and our clients.”