In its first, test year, the Lab aims to:

• Fully support up to five practical showcase projects working within and across government departments
• Try out new and emergent tools and methods with departments on responsive or targeted basis – through shorter projects that offer more civil servants the opportunity to get involved
• Develop the skills and capabilities of policymakers through practical projects and opportunities for shared learning
• Build a robust and compelling evidence base to underpin the activities of the Lab

The Lab will use a range of tools and techniques to gain new insights into policy issues. These include ethnographic research, service blueprinting, data science and digital tools.

The first Lab project is in partnership with the Home Office and explores how policing might change in a digital world, such as how digital tools can help crime reporting and investigation. Surrey and Sussex Police are acting as a test-bed for the project and will be prototyping potential. During the pilot year the Lab will work on around 4 other projects to help refine the core model.

Website: www.openpolicy.blog.gov.uk