Course Overview
Parliaments are a fundamental aspect of democratic life, administrative governance and pluralistic political interaction, with the UN noting that Parliaments will play ‘a crucial role in shaping and implementing the post-2015 development agenda'.
Strengthening the capacity of Parliaments to work to optimum effect is a very important aspect of the entrenchment and flourishing of democracy and the political stability of any country. This five-day certificated programme has been designed for parliamentarians invested in the effective functioning of assemblies and parliaments in their respective countries.
The programme includes a focus on the division of powers, different types of scrutiny in parliaments, the role of budgeting and best practice in planning committee inquiries. Parliamentary business forms a strong component, ensuring delegates are fully equipped to deal with legislative matters and understand the roles of different parliamentary actors.
Topics Include:
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Different parliamentary models, including supra-national parliaments and inter-parliamentary assemblies
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The efficacy of different parliamentary models in scrutinising legislation
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The role of committees, including financing committees and allocating funds
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Organising and holding parliamentary inquiries effectively
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Agreeing and scheduling the legislative process
By comparing parliaments from around the world and building upon their own experience, participants will leave fully equipped to undertake and extend their roles within parliamentary processes.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course delegates will be able to:
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Clearly define the role of a parliamentarian and parliamentary support staff
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Strengthen parliamentary procedures and representation
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Gain in-depth knowledge of the objectives and scope of parliamentary work
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Improve capacity and support structures whilst reducing administrative burdens
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Analyse, enhance and evaluate Parliamentary performance
Agenda
Day 1
· How the Parliamentary System evolved
· Types of Parliament
· Westminster model and variants
· Other democratic models
· The role of the whips
· The role of the speaker and the speaker's office
· The leader of the house
· The role of clerks
· Urgent business - emergency debates
· Urgent questions
· Backbench business and government business
· Parliamentary Debates - different types and their purpose
· Challenges to Parliamentary Sovereignty?
· The link between what is discussed in Parliament and Court decisions
· Approaches in different countries
· The trustee or delegate view of representation
· Obstacles to representation
· Different forms of representation (e.g. Constituency Development Funds)
Day 2
· Origin of PQs
· Tabling PQs
· The role of the table office
· Origins of legislation
· Drafting legislation – the role of Parliamentary Counsel and the way they interact with the Civil Service
· The role of a Civil Service Bill Team
· The stages of legislation through Parliament
Day 3
· Holding an Effective Inquiry
· Select Committees in the Commons and Lord
· The roles of the different clerks
· Administration
· Research and resources
· The Parliamentary Library
· Freedom of Information in principle and practice
· Freedom of Information and Parliaments
· Outreach programmes by Parliament
· The role of education and schools in outreach
· The role of the media and other stakeholders in outreach
· Parliamentary Benchmarking and Self-Assessment Frameworks