This subseries contains internal and external briefings, policy and position papers, and discussion papers produced by the Public Affairs Unit, established in 1974 in the Communications Division, the Overseas Division's Development Policy Unit, and later policy teams. Occasionally, they are produced jointly with one or more members of the Oxfam International confederation. From the mid-1990s such documents were often issued on behalf of Oxfam International. Many of these are by Oxfam UK/I and Oxfam GB authors. The subseries also includes a number of papers issued jointly by Oxfam and non-governmental organizations other than members of Oxfam International.

Briefing papers and briefing notes are written to inform public debate on development and humanitarian policy issues.