Influencing parliament and central government

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.

Our Open Workshops run on a progressive pricing model. Small organisations (with a turnover of under £500,000) pay £80 + VAT; Mid-sized organisations (£500,000-£2m) pay £120 + VAT; and Large organisations pay £175 + VAT. If you would like to speak to someone further, please email [email protected].