Introduction

Public affairs and government relations play a critical role in shaping how organisations influence policy, engage with regulators, and communicate with the broader public. Effective engagement requires a structured understanding of political environments, policy processes, and stakeholder dynamics.

This Strategic Public Affairs and Government Relations Programme provides a practical framework for developing and executing public affairs strategies that align with organisational objectives. It explores how organisations can engage policymakers, build relationships with government officials, and apply lobbying techniques in a structured and compliant manner.

The training course also focuses on the role of media and stakeholder engagement in shaping public opinion and influencing policy outcomes. Participants will gain practical tools to manage campaigns, communicate effectively with government and media, and navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Key focus areas include:

Key Learning Outcomes

At the end of this Strategic Public Affairs and Government Relations Programme training course, participants will be able to:

Training Methodology

This training course uses a highly interactive masterclass format combining group discussions, experiential exercises, case studies, and syndicate activities. Participants actively share experiences and apply concepts to real-world public affairs, government relations, and media engagement scenarios. The methodology emphasises practical application, peer learning, and strategy development.

Strategic Public Affairs and Government Relations Programme

Who Should Attend?

This Strategic Public Affairs and Government Relations Programme is suitable for professionals involved in government engagement, policy influence, and stakeholder communication, including:

  • Ministerial and Government Committee Members
  • Board Members, CEOs, and Executive Management
  • Government Relations Officers
  • Public Affairs Professionals
  • Public Relations Officers
  • Policy Makers, Analysts, and Officers
  • Senior Managers overseeing public affairs and government relations

 

Course Outline

Day 1

  • The role of public affairs
  • Principles of public affairs and government relations
  • Corporate political activity
  • Lobbying frameworks
  • Digital media and tech trends
Day 2

Public Affairs Strategy

  • Mapping public affairs and political landscapes
  • Objective setting
  • Audience identification and management
  • Building an influential argument
  • Evaluation methods
  • Measuring success
Day 3

Working with Governments

  • How governments work
  • The role of politics in government policy making
  • Engaging with government officials
  • Dynamics of relationships with government officials
  • Lobbying regulation for working with governments
  • Transparency requirements for working with governments
Day 4

Working with Media

  • Proactive media relations
  • Developing key messaging
  • Campaign management
  • Bypassing the news media
  • Broadcast appearances
  • Crisis management
Day 5

Working with interest groups and other stakeholders

  • Identifying stakeholders
  • Stakeholder engagement and contact programmes
  • Effective positioning with stakeholders
  • Managing conflicting interests

International Standards & Professional Alignment

Our training courses are aligned with internationally recognised professional standards and frameworks across leadership, strategy, finance, governance, risk, compliance, and audit. By integrating globally trusted models, we ensure learners develop practical, relevant, and industry-recognised capabilities.

Our trainings draw on leading international standards and professional frameworks, including ISO, ISACA, COSO, OECD, IIA, FATF, Basel, IFRS/ISSB, GRI, NIST, CPD, ILM and the OECD AI Principles. This alignment ensures consistency with global best practices across financial management, risk oversight, digital governance, sustainability, and strategic decision-making..

Designed in alignment with globally recognised professional bodies, our courses support continuous professional development, strengthen organisational capability, and provide clear pathways toward professional certifications valued worldwide.

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