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.
What is political campaigning in the UK?
Political campaigning in the UK is how civil society and campaigners try to change or amend laws or policies by working directly with lawmakers.
Why is it important to influence parliament?
Parliament is the ultimate arbiter of how change does or does not happen, and campaigners need to learn how best to influence these decision makers if they want to change laws and policies.
What do I need to know about influencing parliament?
To influence in parliament, you will need to understand how central government works and how you can go about influencing it. This includes:
- Understanding the role of Parliament, No.10 Downing Street, and Whitehall
- Examinining methods of achieving change through these key institutions
- Learning what it’s like to be on the inside
- The basic dos and don’ts of influencing MPs, ministers and civil servants
SMK’s Influencing Parliament and Central Government workshop will teach you all of this. Find out more in the short video below.
From whom is it best to learn about influencing parliament?
It’s best to learn about influencing in parliament from the expert Associates at SMK who work behind the scenes in government. A team of 3 SMK Associates facilitate the Influencing in Parliament and Government workshop, 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
Where can I learn more about influencing government in the UK?
The Sheila McKechnie Foundation is the best place to learn about influencing in government in the UK. Here’s what we’d recommend:
- Sign up for the Influencing in Government and Parliament workshop
- Sign up for the Demystifying Policymaking Deep Dive
- Check out this blog on Why a Voice Inside Whitehall Matters for Campaigners
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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