Strategic Policy Division
Wendy Lecky is the Director of Strategic Policy Division (SPD) and Head of the NICS Economist Profession.
Overview
SPD is responsible for maintaining the Better Business Cases NI guidance. This guidance provides a clear framework for appraising, developing and planning expenditure and investment decisions using the Five Case Model to deliver best value for money across the public sector. The Division also plays a lead role in assessing high value and contentious cases. Better Business Cases NI guidance can be found at the following link:
SPD also has a role in determining guidance, approval processes and the provision of technical advice for public sector pay.
In addition, SPD provides an important economic policy briefing, analysis and advice service for the Minister of Finance and senior officials. This includes engagement and liaison with HM Treasury, the banking sector, business bodies, economists and the research community.
The Division is also the sponsor body for the independent Fiscal Council - the body created to bring greater transparency and scrutiny to NI’s public finances. The Division has lead responsibility in bringing forward legislation to put the Fiscal Council on a statutory footing.
A further key aspect of the division’s work is the recruitment, management and development of the NICS Economist Profession, where over 140 economist staff are currently posted throughout NI Government Departments and their ALBs.
Structure
The division consists of four main business areas:
- Economic Policy & Analysis
- Economic Appraisal & Pay
- Fiscal Council Sponsorship & Bill
- NICS Economist Profession Capability and Capacity
Key Contacts
| Director | Wendy Lecky |
| Wendy.Lecky@finance-ni.gov.uk | |
| NICS Economist Profession Email | NICSEconomistProfession@finance-ni.gov.uk |
| Economic Appraisal Email | EconomicAppraisal@finance-ni.gov.uk |