Open courses
Working in the Civil Service
Covering learning that is unique to working in the Civil Service, such as working with ministers, and also covering essentials such as induction, safety and first aid. Face-to-face workshops include:
- Briefings and Submissions
- Ministerial Correspondence
- Oral Briefing for your Ministers/Senior Official
- Writing to the Public
- Introduction to Accounting Officer Responsibilities
For more information on these programmes and to register a place (or request a 'closed' course) please visit the Civil Service Learning website.
Policy Profession
The policy profession has developed a policy curriculum to support cross-government learning for people in policy roles. The learning blends work-based, online and classroom learning in line with best practice from top performing public and private sector organisations. Face-to-face workshops include:
- Understanding the Policy Context (policy foundation module 1)
- Working in the Policy Environment (policy foundation module 2)
- Managing Policy Development and Delivery
- Open and Collaborative Policy Making
- Bill Team Training
- EU Training
For more information on these programmes and to register a place (or request a 'closed' course) please visit the Civil Service Learning website.
Parliament and Government
The workings of Parliament and Government are essential knowledge for anyone working in, or with, government in the UK. Whether you need to refresh your knowledge of Parliament, understand how a Bill is made law, how to answer a Parliamentary Question or how to prepare your minister or manager for a select committee appearance, Westminster Explained has a range of courses to help.
Course List
An Overview of Government
An Overview of Parliament
An Overview of the Legislative Process
Appearing Before A Select Committee
Brussels Explained: An Overview of the European Union
Lobbying the European Union: Access & Influence
Parliamentary Questions
Political Awareness and Influencing Skills
Working With and Understanding Local Government
Verbal & Written Communication Skills
Effective communication skills is essential in all business areas, but particularly in government where changing behaviour is often a priority. We offer a full programme of communications courses, from essential skills such as presenting and writing, to more focused training on communicating with Ministers and the media. Our expert trainers will help you hone your skills, so take a look and see what we can do for you.
Course List
Advanced Writing Skills
Building Effective Business Cases
Effective Written Briefings
Essential Writing Skills
Managing Difficult Conversations
Persuasive Writing Skills
Presenting to a Captive Audience
Putting Your Point Across
Speech Writing
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Working
Summarising Documents Quickly and Accurately
Taking Effective Minutes
Taking Fast Effective Notes
The Influential Communicator
Personal Development
Our personal development courses are designed to help you increase your confidence in your own abilities, whether in delivering presentations or being more assertive at work. Whatever your need, we can help you make the most of your talents and skills through our hands-on, focused training courses delivered by expert facilitators who know how to help you get the best out of you! So take a look and let us know how we can help.
Course List
Policy and Law
This practical series of workshops focuses on the knowledge and skills required to work in Policy and Law in the UK. Workshops cover the legal framework that underpins government in Britain and provide the skills for analysing policy proposals to see when new policies will require a change in the law. Topics covered will include the constitutional structure of the UK - the relationships between Parliament, the Judiciary and Government; Ombudsmen; the EU and international law; how devolution works; what lawyers do in government; the court and tribunal system; how law gets made and changed. Read more by clicking on the course headings.
Our trainers
- Nick Auer
- Caroline Ball
- Chris Barnes
- Tory Batten
- Michelle Battye
- Kim Belcher
- Helen Bennett
- Martyn Bond
- Mara Broome
- Jonathan Bottomer
- Susan Calthorpe
- Matthew Cocks
- Stella Collins
- Resli Costabell
- David Cotton
- Amanda Graham
- John Eastmead
- Fiona Field
- Dr Nigel Forman
- Richard Hillsdon
- Peter Howarth
- Judith Jewell
- Jonathan Kemp
- Kate Marshall
- Lex McKee
- Hilary Menhennet
- George Oliver MBE
- Paul Richards
- Clare Shaw
- Tony Shaw
- Jacqui Smith
- Rob Smith
- Linda Screen
- Shani Sparkes
- Judy Stewart
- Keith Tanner
- Tess Thompson
- Mike Watts
- Cheryl Weaver
- Roberta Woodcock
Enquire Now
- Call us now on 0207 593 5733.
- Email us at info@westminster-explained.com.
J. Wilson, EO, Jobcentre Plus
This is the best training I’ve ever had. The trainer was fantastic and so knowledgeable that it really inspires you to go back and write the best comms strategy ever!
M. Mikroudaki, Communications Officer, Leeds City Region
Forthcoming Courses
- May
- June
- July
- Aug
- Sept

