Policy analysis groups are established as temporary creative teams consisting of civil servants that work upon the search for strategy and ways of addressing a specific actual problem in the priority area of a respective government body.  

The legislative framework for the functioning of policy analysis groups includes the following documents:

1. The Program of Civil Service Development for 2005-2010 that was approved by a regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine # 746 of 8.06.2004 with the amendments endorsed by a resolution of the CMU from 03.09.08

2.  The order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine “On Ensuring the Functioning of Policy Analysis Groups in Central Executive Power bodies and the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine” of 07.02.2007

3. The order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine “On Approval of Measures with Regard to Implementation of the EU-Ukraine Action Plan in 2008” from 06.08.08

4. The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of Canada on the reform of human resources management system in the Ukraine’s civil service that was signed on 26.05.08. 

Policy analysis is a set of practical tools on the preparation of policy decisions that includes comprehensive analysis of existing trends and problems, assessment of their causes and implications, formation of alternative ways of problem solving and selection of optimal options.

Participation of civil servants in the functioning of policy analysis groups is classified as in-service scientific research. Policy analysis groups include 10-12 civil servants of III-IV categories representing various structural departments of the respective executive power body, in particular: heads of structural departments on European integration issues, civil servants participating in the elaboration of budget proposals and inquiries of central executive bodies; civil servants participating in the planning of the activity of executive bodies; civil servants occupied with public relations and mass media, and employees of personnel units. Head and composition of policy analysis groups are endorsed by the leadership of a respective executive power body.

Policy analysis groups represent a mechanism of improving the system of planning, making and coordination of public policy in state authorities. Participation in policy analysis groups promotes the formation of practical skills in the sphere of policy analysis, impact of government decisions, benefits and costs, organizations of effective communications. Policy analysis groups proved their effectiveness during the preparation of state authorities to the application of institution building instruments Twinning and TAIEX.