Public Policy

Over six weeks, we will examine how policy making works in the UK, and the different bodies involved at national and local levels; the structure and practices of key bodies, including national government, parliament and local authorities; policy timelines, who to contact, when and how to approach them; making a case to policy makers that will capture their interest and is credible, relevant and understandable. Finally, the course team will work with you to develop a case that is relevant to your organisation.

The course is aimed at those who want to build a solid understanding of the policy-making environment. No previous work with government or parliament is required.

Each taught class will be 90 minutes long and delivered over MS Teams. We have deliberately structured it in this way to give participants time to reflect on what they have learned and to provide the opportunity for the participants to return to their organisations and consider specific cases that they wish to bring to policy makers. The course will be a combination of delivery by the course team, general discussion, and dedicated sessions to assist participants to develop their case. As policy and politics is a ‘live’ subject, a short section in each taught session will reflect on current political developments to help develop greater political understanding.

• The course is structured to support participants in making the best links between the course topics and the needs of their own organisation.
• It is taught by world-leading university academics and policy support professionals, who are the best placed providers to advise on robust and credible evidence as part of bringing a case to policy-makers.
• The inclusion of some 1-2-1 support to help you on your own individual messaging, case and evidence.
• The connection with a world-leading university, adding extra kudos to your CPD portfolio.

1. How Policy Works: Understanding the policy landscape. Who are the key players? What are the processes?
2. Working with Parliament: What are the roles and responsibilities of Parliament? How is legislation made and where are the opportunities to make your voice heard?
3. Working with Government: How is national and local government structured? What governments do (and what they don’t). When and how to engage in their policy-making processes.
4. Making your case 1: How to react to proposals and inquiries. The best tools and techniques to make your case. Assessing responses to parliamentary and government inquiries and proposals.
5. Making your case 2: How to make a successful policy pitch. The best tools and techniques to use. Assessing policy pitches.
6. Linking this all with your organisation: 1-2-1 support in building a credible case for your organisation.