The most important target audience for influencing public policy is the government – both local and national government, and politicians and civil servants.

Key points to bear in mind:

• Peers, MPs and public servants receive hundreds of letters and emails every week – you must you must grab their attention quickly. Say within the first paragraph that you are writing to them because you know of their interest in the subject.
• Civil servants are more likely than politicians to be interested in the details of research and research findings. They tend to work in the same position for a number of years, and often specialise in very detailed and technical aspects of policy. 
• Ensure that any briefing documents you supply are no longer than three pages – if they want further detail, they will request it. Civil servants are better able to appreciate and receive longer documents, but you should also provide an executive summary.

To find out more about the key groups that make up the government, together with advice on how to approach them, follow the links below:

• Ministers
• Special advisers
• Civil service
• Government Social Research Service
• Scottish Parliament, Welsh and Northern Irish Assemblies
• Europe

Next step, influencing political parties and think-tanks