Case Studies

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Home Office

Policy Delivery Skills courses

Since the beginning of 2009 Westminster Explained have been working closely with the Home Office to deliver both ‘Policy skills’ and ‘Working with Ministers’ training across the department. These contracts were awarded through a competitive tendering process on the Buying Solutions framework. Feedback from both staff and management across the organisation has been excellent throughout.

Courses covered on both contracts include: Briefing and Submissions, Essential Writing Skills, Parliament Explained and a four module ‘Professionalism in Policy Making’ programme.

Entertaining and informative throughout.

A. Michael, Digital Engagement Team, Home Office

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Department for Work and Pensions

Professionalism in Policy Making Programme

In October 2008 Westminster Explained won a three year contract to deliver policy training across DWP. Based on the Government Skills concept of a four stage policy process and set against the ‘National Occupation Standards for Policy Making’, Westminster Explained designed, and continues to deliver, a two-day, four modular policy training programme.

The programme, now one of our flagship products, has led to other bespoke opportunities with DWP and other departments, reaffirming Westminster Explained’s strength as the leading provider of policy training throughout the Civil Service.

I’ve been in the Department for over 20 years and this Policy Course is probably the best thing I’ve done! It is excellent – thank you!

L.Hepburn, Strategy/Policy Extending Working Life, DWP

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UK Trade & Investment

Effective Procurement and Contract Management training

Westminster Explained currently delivers a two-day 'Understanding Public Sector Procurement' programme for UKTI. Mandatory for all staff involved in the procurement of goods and services, the course is part of a three year contract designed to increase the professionalism of procurement across the department. In August of this year Westminster Explained successfully won a further three year contract to deliver a follow up mandatory course in 'Effective Contract Management' training.

Both programmes have consistently received excellent feedback, and through working closely with the L&D and Procurement teams in UKTI, we have been able to improve and develop the training events.

Very well presented with very useful interactive learning techniques, which also made it more fun

N. Brace, Operations Manager, UKTI

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Cabinet Office

Policy Skills and Working with Ministers training

Following on from the success of the both the Home Office and DWP contract, at the end of the 2009, Westminster Explained won a three-year contact to deliver both Policy Skills and Working with Ministers training across Cabinet Office. After successful initial runs at the beginning of 2010, the contract plans to roll out across the organisation.

Other government departments and organisations have been able to make use of this contract, with the Department for Energy and Climate Change commissioning a successful portfolio of work at the end of 2010. This training was designed to improve the departments policy making capabilities.

Directgov, now part of Cabinet Office, have also been able utilise this contract with a programme looking at the working of and structure of central UK government.

Thank you – this was a really, really good course - I thought the trainer was excellent

J. Rogers, Cabinet Office

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Department for Business, Innovation and Skills

Policy Skills and Stakeholder Engagement training

In 2010 the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills approached Westminster Explained with a unique requirement to up-skill their staff in the core skills of Stakeholder Management and Policy Analysis and use of Evidence.

Working closely with the L&D teams and Directors of the relevant sections, bespoke programmes have been successfully delivered, and continue to be delivered in both London and Sheffield. As the organisation is restructured these programmes have become more important in ensuring that common practice and efficient processes are maintained across both Business Group and Universities and Skills.

Clearly tailored to ‘real’ policy making not just theoretical

J. Roe, Corporate Services Team Leader, BIS

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Health and Safety Executive

Policy Development programme

After a substantial re-location exercises conducted by the Health and Safety Executive, Westminster Explained was asked to develop a three day residential policy development programme for their new staff in Bootle, Liverpool.

The programme covers the policy process, linking learning with both the HSE policy circle and the Government-wide National Occupational Standards for policy making. Working closely with the HSE’s policy team, the programme has been developed into a highly successful training intervention which is run monthly.

The success of this programme is reflected in the buy-in from senior staff at HSE and their enthusiasm for participating in the training, demonstrating Westminster Explained’s position as the leading provider of policy training.

The programme was exceedingly valuable in providing information on access to resources and in continuing the policy development process. Both tutors delivered the course in a relaxed, clear and informative style

R. Vondy, Policy Unit Head, HSE