Course Overview

The Ethics in Public Policy programme by Transformentors Academy is designed to help professionals understand the ethical foundations of policymaking and develop the skills needed to create fair, responsible, and effective public policies.

Public policy decisions have a significant impact on societies, economies, and communities. Policymakers and public leaders must balance competing interests, social responsibilities, legal frameworks, and moral considerations while ensuring that policies promote justice, equity, accountability, and public trust.

This practical five-day programme explores the relationship between ethics and public policy, examining key ethical theories, governance principles, policy dilemmas, and decision-making frameworks. Participants will analyse real-world ethical challenges in areas such as economic policy, social welfare, public administration, and global governance.

Through case studies, discussions, and practical applications, participants will develop strategies for addressing ethical dilemmas, strengthening transparency and accountability, and designing policies that support fairness, social responsibility, and sustainable public outcomes.

Agenda

Day — 1 Introduction to Ethics Theories

• Understanding consequentialist theories and their applications in public policy and ethical decision-making
• Exploring methods for evaluating human actions from ethical and moral perspectives
• Understanding the principles of Utilitarianism, Libertarianism, and Entitlement theories
• Exploring the fundamentals of justice and its relationship to morality and public governance
• Examining philosophers’ perspectives on achieving justice and fairness in public policy

Day — 2 Ethics and Economic Policy

• Understanding the role of ethics in economic policymaking and public governance
• Exploring the characteristics and principles of ethical economic policies
• Identifying the role of policymakers in planning and developing ethical economic policies
• Examining the relationship between markets, economic systems, and moral values
• Understanding how ethical economic policies can support sustainable growth and social development

Day — 3 Ethics and Social Security

• Understanding the definition and significance of social security within public policy
• Exploring the benefits of providing social security support to vulnerable and low-income populations
• Understanding the financial and social implications of social security funding
• Examining the moral foundations and sustainability considerations of social security systems
• Exploring challenges and barriers faced by policymakers in designing and implementing social security policies

Day — 4 Equality in Public Policy

• Understanding the meaning and importance of equality within public policy and governance
• Exploring Sen’s Capability Approach and its application to addressing inequality
• Discovering approaches and strategies for achieving true equality in society
• Learning strategies for designing public policies focused on fairness, inclusion, and equal opportunity
• Understanding the role of policymakers in promoting equity and developing inclusive public policies

Day — 5 Ethics of Global Governance

• Understanding the nature and characteristics of ethical global governance
• Exploring strategies for making governance systems more ethical, transparent, and accountable
• Discussing the challenges of acting ethically within an anarchic international system
• Understanding the influence of policymakers on the ethical nature of governance and international decision-making
• Reviewing key lessons learned and overall course recap

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this Ethics in Public Policy course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the foundations of ethics and the moral role of ethics in the formulation and implementation of public policy
• Analyse ethical dilemmas in public policymaking and explore key ethical themes influencing policy decisions
• Understand consequentialist theories and their applications, including utilitarianism, libertarianism, and entitlement theories
• Develop strategies for promoting justice and fairness as central principles in public policy development
• Examine the role of ethics in economic policymaking and understand how ethical policies support growth and development
• Understand the ethical and moral foundations of social security systems and the government’s role in supporting vulnerable populations
• Develop skills for formulating public policies that promote equality, inclusion, and social fairness
• Explore strategies for strengthening ethical governance practices at both national and international levels

Who Should Attend

The Ethics in Public Policy course is designed for professionals involved in governance, policymaking, advocacy, and public communication, including:

• Policy Makers and Legislators
• Government Officials and Civil Servants
• Public Administrators
• NGO and Nonprofit Leaders
• Journalists and Media Professionals

This programme is also valuable for individuals seeking practical strategies to address ethical challenges in public policy and governance.