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.
Workshop dates
Tue 12th Jun 2024 2-5pm
Tue 26th Nov 2024 10am-1pm
The Campaign Carousel runs on a progressive pricing model. Small organisations (with a turnover of under £500,000) pay £725 + VAT, mid-sized organisations (£500,000-£2m) pay £1,050 + VAT, and large organisations pay £1,500 + VAT. You can book using one of the links below or if you would like to speak to someone further, please email [email protected]
Campaign Carousel dates
Starts January 2024
Starts April 2024
Starts September 2024
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.
Read more about Abdi here
Deb Hermer
SMK Associate
Deb is a former senior civil servant with more than 20 years’ experience in Whitehall.
Read more about Deb here
Jo Gibbons
SMK Associate
As a former Number 10 policy advisor, Jo has worked at the highest levels of government.
Read more about Jo here
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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