How policy is made:
About Labour’s policy process:
Labour is a democratic socialist party. Our policy development process is designed to involve members, local parties, trade unions, socialist societies, elected representatives as well as the wider community.
National Policy Forum (NPF):
Policy is developed through the NPF. This is a body of over 200 representatives from all the major groups of the Labour Party, from constituency parties and regions to affiliated trade unions, socialist societies, MPs and councillors. The role of the NPF is to shape the Party’s policy agenda, drawing up policy document for agreement.
NPF representatives are placed onto one of the eight policy commissions that examine specific policy areas; each commission is co-convened by a Shadow Secretary of State and an National Executive Committee member.
These commissions consider the policy submissions which come in from across the Labour Party, and develop detailed positions which are then discussed at Annual Conference.
Our Regional NPF representatives are currently:
How is policy made:
Policy Commissions
The current commissions are:
- Economy, Business & Trade
- International
- Health & Social Care
- Early Years, Education & Skills
- Justice & Home Affairs
- Housing, Local Government & Transport
- Work, Pensions & Equality
- Environment, Energy & Culture
Policy making runs from general election to general election, with updated documents produced for every Annual Conference. Members, supporters and affiliate groups make subn=missions to the process detailing their views.
What they tell the NPF shapes the documents produced. The NPF wants to hear the views of as many people as possible.
You can get involved in policy development both online and within your area. Find out more about the eight policy commisions and how to make a submission: