Professional Certificate - Introduction to Parliament

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:

• Different parliamentary models, including supra-national parliaments and inter-parliamentary assemblies
• The efficacy of different parliamentary models in scrutinising legislation
• The role of committees, including financing committees and allocating funds
• Organising and holding parliamentary inquiries effectively
• 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:

• Clearly define the role of a parliamentarian and parliamentary support staff
• Strengthen parliamentary procedures and representation
• Gain in-depth knowledge of the objectives and scope of parliamentary work
• Improve capacity and support structures whilst reducing administrative burdens
• Analyse, enhance and evaluate Parliamentary performance

Agenda

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3