This 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?
Our trainers will draw on personal experience of 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.
Workshop dates
Wed 11th Mar 2026, 10am-1pm
Wed 29th April 2026, 10am-1pm
Tues 20th Oct 2026, 10am-1pm
Wed 17th Feb 2027, 10am-1pm
The Campaign Carousel runs on a progressive pricing model.
- Small orgs: turnover of £10k-£100k = pay £797.50 plus VAT
- Med orgs: turnover of £100k-£1M = pay £1155 plus VAT
- Large orgs: turnover of £1M and over = pay £1650 plus VAT
Individuals not affiliated to an organisation pay the ‘small orgs’ fee.
*There is also the option to purchase an hour’s mentoring session with one of our expert Associates for £250 plus VAT
If you would like to speak to someone further, please email megan.poyiadzis@smk.org.uk
Campaign Carousel start dates
Jan 2026
Apr 2026
Sept 2026
Jan 2027
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!
Deb is passionate about building communities. She has run a street food bank for several years and is a trustee of London Play Design after introducing play streets locally.
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!’’
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