This political campaigning workshop will provide you with an insiders perspective into where power in our political system lies. You will learn about the three arms of the central government machine, including Parliament, 10 Downing Street and Whitehall, the home of civil servants.
Parliament is the ultimate arbiter of how change does or does not happen. But it can seem arcane and baffling to those who don’t know how it works. Similarly with Whitehall and 10 Downing Street. This can make it seem daunting to those who want to change or amend the law. Where do you start in trying to influence these apparently impenetrable institutions and plan your political campaign?
Our trainers will draw on personal experience of political campaigning and working in Parliament, No.10, and Whitehall to help you understand how central government works, and how you can go about influencing it.
Three things you will do in this workshop:
- Understand the role of Parliament, No.10 and Whitehall
- Examine methods of achieving change through these key institutions
- Learn what it’s like to be on the inside, and the basic dos and don’ts of influencing MPs, ministers and civil servants
Find out more about the Influencing Parliament and Central Government workshop in the short video below.
This workshop is led by a team of 3 SMK Associates, namely Abdi Mohamed, former policy advisor to the Shadow Minister for Disabled People; Jo Gibbons, a former 10 Downing Street policy advisor and Deb Hermer, a former civil servant.
Please note that this workshop has participatory elements. If you are unable to participate for any reason or in a specific manner (e.g. speaking, camera on, chat function, breakout rooms, etc.), please put that in the “Accessibility Requirements” section during checkout, and remind your facilitator at the beginning of the session.
If you would like to speak to someone further, please email megan.poyiadzis@smk.org.uk
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much are the workshops?
SMK’s Open Workshops run on a progressive pricing model:
- Small orgs (£10k – £100k) – £96 + VAT
- Medium orgs (£100k – £1m) – £160 + VAT
- Large orgs (Tier 1: £1m – £10m) – £240 + VAT
- Large orgs (Tier 2: £10m+) – £280 + VAT
Independent campaigners will pay the ‘small orgs’ fee.
How can I pay for a workshop?
You have the option to pay by card or invoice – just choose your preferred method during the checkout.
Are the workshops online or in-person?
They’re delivered online via Zoom.
How long are the workshops?
The workshops are three hours long. The online get-togethers are an hour and a half.
What if I can’t participate during the workshop?
This workshop includes participatory elements. If you have any access requirements or prefer not to participate in certain ways (e.g. speaking, camera use, chat or breakout rooms), please note this at checkout and let your facilitator know at the start of the session.
Can I attend any of these workshops as a package, instead?
Yes. You can find out more information about our Campaign Carousel programme here.
Who can I contact with questions about this workshop?
For any questions about our Open Training, please email SMK’s Programmes Manager Megan Poyiadzis
Workshop Dates
Wed 29th April 2026, 10am-1pm
Thurs 5th Nov 2026, 10am-1pm
Wed 17th Feb 2027, 10am-1pm
Abdi Mohamed
SMK Associate
Abdi’s interest and expertise is influencing policy makers and mobilising local communities on disability issues and other areas of social justice.
Abdi currently works for a large charity, having previously been parliamentary researcher and policy advisor to the Shadow Minister for Disabled People. He has also worked for the Labour Party and led an innovative community programme in east London which included setting up a local Somali Task Force. Previously Abdi was a campaigner for Action for Children and the National Union of Students (NUS). He is a governor at Bow Secondary School, a non-executive Director of Hackney Wick & Fish Island Community Development Trust, and a trustee of PohWER.
Deb Hermer
SMK Associate
Deb is a former senior civil servant with more than 20 years’ experience in Whitehall.
As either a communications specialist or a private secretary Deb’s career moves ranged from the Cabinet Office to the Home Office and included postings in No 10 as well as being the first ever UK civil servant to be seconded to the White House. Deb has experience of influencing government from the third sector as well as from a multinational mining company!
Jo Gibbons
SMK Associate
As a former Number 10 policy advisor, Jo has worked at the highest levels of government.
She is an expert influencer who knows how to communicate complex issues to diverse audiences. Jo is also a former special adviser to the Minister for Women.
In addition, Jo is campaigns coordinator for the Centenary Action Group, a cross-party coalition campaigning for women’s right to take part in decision making. She is a trustee for Compassion in Dying and a trustee for Home-Start Haringey, Hackney, and Waltham Forest.
What participants say:
Emmanuelle Andrews
Policy & Campaigns Manager, Liberty
”It was an incredibly helpful workshop, have been recommending it to more people at my organisation, Liberty. Thank you!’’
Participant, 2023
“[The most useful part was] the section with the MPs staffer, giving practical and realisitic insights into how to catch an MPs eye, and make the most of their time once you have it.”
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